J&K police announces reward of Rs 20 lakh each for info on Pahalgam attackers

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police announced a reward of 20 lakh for information on each of the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack, even as search operation in the forest area of Baisaran continued for the third consecutive day.

Police had released the sketches of three suspects — Adil Hussain Thoker of Anantnag, Ali Bhai, alias Talha Bhai, and Hashim Musa, alias Suleiman (both from Pakistan) — on Wednesday. The officials have confirmed that as of now 26 people, including 25 tourists and a local, were killed in the April 22 attack in Baisaran Valley.

“Anyone sharing information/leads about the terrorist act shall be rewarded 20 lakh,” J&K Police in Anantnag district informed. Police said identity of the informer shall be kept secret.

Police, army and other agencies have questioned several people in connection with the attack. Drones, trained dogs and aerial surveillance by helicopters were deployed. The officials said several suspects have been detained across the Valley to get clues about the attackers and how they managed to carry out such a high-casualty attack.

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The tourist destination of Pahalgam remained shut for a second consecutive day as locals protested against the attack on tourists. Locals informed that around 1,090 tourists had entered Baisaran Valley till 2 pm on April 22, when the attack took place and at that moment around 300 tourists were present there. “We continue to mourn the dead and are still in shock after this inhuman attack. But the silver lining is that the local guides, vendors and ponywalas managed to save at least 275 tourists who were present at the spot at that time,” said Abdul Waheed Wani, president of the Ponywala Association, who was the first to reach the spot and rescued several tourists. A video of him helping tourists and seeking help also went viral on social media.

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In Srinagar, protests against the Pahalgam attack continued at several places. Shikara owners took out a protest on Dal Lake condemning the attack. BJP leaders organised a Shradhanjali Sabha at Church Lane in Srinagar.

A group of Kashmiri Pandit employees working in Kashmir held a silent sit-in at Lal Chowk saying such killings were not acceptable. Members of the community, who are under the prime minister’s package, also urged the government to think about their safety and security as well. “If tourists, who were here to enjoy for a few days, are not safe, then how are we as a minority safe here,” they said.