Pahalgam Mastermind Behind Kulgam Attack Too: Pakistan-Based Lashkar Terrorist Under Scanner

Srinagar: Intelligence agencies have linked Lahore-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) strategic commander Sajid Jutt to the recent terror attack in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, establishing that the same handler was also behind the earlier strike in Pahalgam.

The breakthrough reveals a planned conspiracy masterminded from across the border to trigger a renewed wave of terrorist violence across Jammu and Kashmir.

According to sources, Sajid Jutt, who operates out of Lahore in Pakistan, possesses extensive operational knowledge of the region, having been based in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district from 2005 to 2007. 

Utilising his ground familiarity, Jutt planned the Kulgam strike, which was executed by motorcycle-borne terrorists armed with AK-47 assault rifles. 

Threat assessments further indicate that Lashkar is planning additional attacks across the South of Pir Panjal Region (SPPR) and Central Kashmir in the coming days.

The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of two non-local labourers hailing from Chhattisgarh. 

Postmortem examinations of the deceased are being conducted in Srinagar, after which their last rites will be performed locally. The bodies will not be sent back to their native state.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly condemned the killing, expressing profound grief over the loss of innocent lives. 

To support the bereaved families, the Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 10 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. 

This financial support comes in addition to the immediate assistance of Rs 6 lakh each provided by the District Administration, bringing the total compensation to Rs 16 lakh for the next of kin of each victim.

In response to the surge in threats, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha convened a high-level security review meeting at 11:00 AM to conduct a top-to-bottom audit of the entire security apparatus across Jammu and Kashmir. 

High-ranking officers from the Indian Army, police, and paramilitary forces were tasked with strengthening counter-terror grids, intensifying area-domination patrols, and expanding intelligence coverage in sensitive zones to neutralise active terror cells.