'Hashim Moosa, one of the three Pahalgam killers on the run, is a former Pakistani commando'

Security forces have zeroed in on three men accused of orchestrating the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local pony operator. Two of the suspects—Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafeez Saeed and his top aide Saifullah Kasuri—are currently based in Pakistan. The third, identified as Hashim Moosa, is believed to be hiding in the dense forests of south Kashmir. According to officials, Moosa is the subject of an intensive search operation and is suspected to be attempting an escape to Pakistan. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have declared a reward of ₹20 lakh for credible leads on his whereabouts, with a promise of confidentiality for informants. Security sources believe that capturing Moosa alive could provide definitive proof of Pakistan’s direct involvement in the terror strike. Reportedly, Moosa was previously a para-commando with Pakistan’s Special Service Group before joining LeT. He is believed to have infiltrated into India in 2023 and has since been linked to several attacks in the region.

Investigations reveal Moosa's involvement in at least six attacks across Kashmir, including a deadly assault in Ganderbal last October that killed seven civilians, and another in Baramulla where four security personnel lost their lives. In connection with the Pahalgam attack, two more individuals—Adil Thoker and Asif Sheikh—have also been named. A reward of ₹20 lakh each has been announced for information leading to their capture. The Pahalgam carnage has further strained diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan. In response, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and halted visa services for Pakistani nationals. Pakistan, in turn, has threatened to pull out of all bilateral agreements, including the historic Simla Agreement that underpins the Line of Control.