Pahalgam terror attack | Terrorists were wearing camouflage outfits, carried M4 carbine, AK-47s, fired 70 rounds: Initial probe

It is learnt that the Centre plans to hand over the investigation from J&K Police to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

A source said the initial probe after recording the statement of victims and eyewitnesses revealed that four terrorists, including two believed to be foreign nationals, came in camouflage attire.

“After reaching the meadow, the terrorists first held the tourists hostage at gunpoint and then asked all women and children to stay away. They fired from close range after inquiring about identities. They later resorted to indiscriminate firing,” the source said.

“Eyewitnesses have alleged that some tourists were told to remove their clothes before they were killed. Police are verifying these claims,” the source said, adding that the attack lasted around 20-25 minutes.

Two terrorists, the source said, were carrying M4 carbine assault rifles while the other two were carrying AK-47s.

“Security agencies and the local police are questioning local residents. They are trying to find out if the terrorists had a handler who helped conduct a recce for the attack,” the source said, adding that the terrorists escaped from the spot after the killings.

“Prime facie it appears that the terrorists crossed over from Kishtwar and reached Baisaran via Kokernag with the help of their local operatives,” the source said.

According to the source, intelligence agencies had sent out an alert a few days ago that a terror group was planning an attack on “non-locals”, and that there was a possibility of an IED attack. But the details were not clear, the source said.