J&K Police releases sketches of 3 terrorists linked to Pahalgam attack that killed 26 | See photos

The Jammu and Kashmir police on Wednesday released a set of sketches of the terrorists who were involved in the Pahalgam attacks that killed 26 people. The police said the sketches were made based on eyewitness accounts. 

The officials said the sketches are of Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha. The three terrorists also had code names — Moosa, Yunus and Asif — and were involved in terror-related incidents in Poonch. See sketches here: 

The incident occurred when suspected terrorists belonging to ‘The Resistance Front’ — an affiliate of the proscribed group Lashkar-e-Toiba — opened fire on a group of tourists at the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam.

Local officials confirmed at least 26 dead, with several others injured. The army and police have started a search operation to locate the attackers.

Earlier in the day, several reports noted that Intelligence agencies said that the attack was designed by Saifullah Khalid, a top Lashkar-e-Toiba commander, and two POK-based operatives. However, Mint couldn't independently verify the news.

PM Modi cut short Saudi trip, hold high-level meeting

The attack triggered nationwide outrage and prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cut short his diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia. The prime minister condemned the attack and said those behind the act “will be brought to justice.”

He held a meeting with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar at the airport upon his arrival, PTI reported, citing officials it didn’t name. He is scheduled to chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security — India’s top security body, comprising the defence, foreign, home and finance ministers — on Wednesday, during which the nation is expected to discuss how to react to the attack.

(With inputs from agencies)