Sat Apr 26 06:10:40 UTC 2025: ## Key Architect of Pahalgam Massacre Identified: Terrorist Trained in Pakistan Returns to Orchestrate Attack

**SRINAGAR, INDIA –** Indian intelligence agencies have identified Adil Ahmed Thoker, a resident of Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, as a key planner of the April 22nd Pahalgam massacre, which claimed the lives of 27 people. Thoker, who left for Pakistan in 2018 on a student visa, returned to India in October 2024 with three to four other terrorists, including Pakistani national Hashim Musa (alias Suleman), also a prime suspect.

Thoker, who had exhibited signs of radicalization prior to his departure, underwent training with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Pakistan. After a period of undetected activity, he crossed the Line of Control (LoC) through the Poonch-Rajouri sector, a notoriously difficult area to patrol.

Upon entering India, Thoker avoided detection, sheltering at least one of the terrorists he infiltrated with in Anantnag. Intelligence officials believe he was scouting for a suitable target, eventually choosing the Baisaran meadow, reopened to tourists after the Amarnath Yatra.

The attack, which lasted less than ten minutes, involved at least five terrorists who targeted tourists in three zones within the meadow. Survivors reported that the attackers questioned victims about their religion and shot those who failed to recite Islamic verses.

Thoker has been named by Jammu and Kashmir Police as one of three principal suspects, alongside Hashim Musa and Ali Bhai (alias Talha Bhai). A reward of Rs 20 lakh has been offered for information leading to their arrest. Authorities have launched a widespread search operation, and during the investigation, explosives were discovered and destroyed in the homes of Thoker and another suspect, Asif Sheikh, who is suspected of providing logistical support. The investigation into their roles continues.

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