Elite Commando Turned Fugitive: Hashim Musa Evades Capture in Kashmir

Security forces have intensified operations in south Kashmir's dense forests to apprehend Hashim Musa, a former Pakistani Special Service Group commando, identified as the mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Musa, also known by the alias Suleiman, is believed to have infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir in September 2023.

Investigations reveal that Musa was dismissed from the Pakistan Army before joining the banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba . His military training, including expertise in unconventional warfare and survival tactics, has enabled him to evade capture despite an extensive manhunt. Security agencies fear he may attempt to flee back to Pakistan.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have announced a ₹20 lakh bounty for information leading to Musa's capture. Authorities have assured that the identity of informants will be kept confidential. The objective is to apprehend Musa alive to establish concrete evidence of Pakistan's involvement in the attack.

The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22, targeted tourists and a local pony ride operator. Two other suspects, LeT chief Hafeez Saeed and his deputy Saifullah Kasuri, are believed to be in Pakistan. Digital footprints and forensic evidence have linked the attackers to safe houses in Muzaffarabad and Karachi, suggesting support from operatives based in Pakistan.

In response to the attack, authorities have shut down 48 tourist destinations across the Kashmir Valley due to security concerns. Security has been heightened in popular areas like Gulmarg and Sonamarg. Additionally, the houses of local terrorists Adil Thokar and Asif Sheikh, implicated in the attack, were demolished in Anantnag and Awantipora, respectively.

The National Investigation Agency has taken over the probe, with a team visiting the attack site and registering a new First Information Report . Investigators have released sketches of the three militants involved and have interrogated numerous overground workers suspected of facilitating the attack.