Sources within the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have indicated that the terrorists responsible for the April 22 attack in Pahalgam may still be hiding in the dense forested areas of south Kashmir.
Intelligence reports suggest the presence of additional militants in the region, with investigators believing that some members of the group stayed back at a distance during the attack to provide cover in case of a confrontation with security forces.
According to reports, the group appears to be operating independently—carrying their own food, fuel, and supplies—while deliberately avoiding local contacts which have made the task more difficult for the security forces to trace their movements and pinpoint their location.
During recent encounters, security forces recovered high-tech digital “ultra set” devices used by the militants to avoid surveillance. These satellite-based communication tools reportedly allowed them to remain connected with handlers while evading tracking.
Another alarming discovery was the use of “AlpineQuest maps”—a mountaineering navigation app developed in Australia and commonly used by professional hikers and mountaineers. The app functions offline, enabling precise movement without the need for internet connectivity.
Security officials said such advanced tools—many believed to be of Chinese origin and designed for use by Pakistani forces—have contributed to a series of deadly attacks across Jammu and Kashmir since 2021. Investigators are now focusing on how to prevent such technology from falling into the hands of militants, while also exploring methods to decrypt the highly encrypted communication systems.
Meanwhile, eyewitness accounts recorded by investigating agencies paint a grim picture of how the massacre unfolded. Tourists enjoying the lush Baisaran meadow—dubbed 'mini Switzerland'—were caught completely off guard when both entry and exit points were sealed by the assailants.
Sources say four terrorists were involved. Two entered through the main gate, one stood guard at the exit, and a fourth reportedly stayed hidden in the nearby pine forest to provide backup if needed.
Investigators have learnt that the attackers carried out reconnaissance on at least three different sites on April 15, just a week before the strike. One of the targets was reportedly a local amusement park, but the plan was dropped due to heightened security.
The Pahalgam incident is now considered among the deadliest in Kashmir in decades, and central agencies are under pressure to neutralise the remaining threats and cut off their access to foreign military-grade tools.
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