Pahalgam terrorists followed orders of ‘masters across border’: What FIR in Kashmir massacre reveals

Twenty-six people were killed when terrorists fired at a group of tourists in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam, located in Jammu and Kashmir.

Now, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR).

The case has been filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) as well as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

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Meanwhile, a public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court. It calls for stronger safety steps to protect tourists travelling to hill areas and remote parts of the country.

In this explainer, we take a look at what has been mentioned in the FIR and what the PIL filed in the top court seeks.

FIR in Pahalgam terror attack

The FIR filed in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack stated that the strike was premeditated and lasted for around 30 minutes. It added that the attackers acted under directions from “masters sitting across the border”.

As per a report by News18, the FIR mentioned that automatic weapons, obtained illegally, were used during the attack.

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The report read, “The police station has received credible information from reliable sources that at Baisaran, Pahalgam, unknown terrorists, acting on the instructions of their handlers across the border, have carried out a premeditated attack using illegally acquired automatic weapons".

The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

This is the sixth case of its kind in the year, and the first to take place in this particular area, the FIR said, according to India Today. A separate Special Report (Report A) is also being prepared.

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Anantnag’s Additional Superintendent of Police, Ghulam Hassan, has been assigned the case for further investigation, as directed by senior officials. The FIR also stated that a supplementary report will be submitted by the investigating officer.

The attack happened when many tourists were enjoying pony rides and picnics in the meadows. Before they could understand what was going on, several had already been killed.

Videos from the region show victims lying still on the ground while gunshots and screams can be heard in the background.

The police were informed at 2.30 pm on Tuesday, April 22. However, the attack had taken place between 1.50 pm and 2.20 pm, meaning the attackers remained at the spot for about half an hour. Due to the absence of a motorable road to the meadow, it took security teams longer to reach the location, News18 reported.

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The FIR stated the attack was aimed at killing and causing widespread panic. It states, “The attackers indiscriminately opened fire on tourists who were visiting the Pahalgam area for sightseeing and leisure, with the intent to kill and spread fear and panic. As a result of the firing, a number of tourists have been injured, and several lost their lives on the spot.”

What the PIL before SC demands

The public interest petition filed in the Supreme Court has asked for directions to the Union Home Ministry and State governments to put in place security steps to protect tourists in hill states and far-off locations. It also asks for the deployment of armed personnel in areas that attract large numbers of visitors.

The plea further requests that proper medical services be set up in tourist spots, especially in remote and hilly regions, to ensure quick medical help during emergencies.

“There shall be some sort of Armed security in such places, remote areas where tourists gather for sight scene and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and nature. By such measures only we can protect the tourists from terrorists attacks,” the plea states.

The petitioner has also asked for measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir.

Pahalgam terror attack

On Tuesay, four terrorists opened fire at a resort in Pahalgam, a well-known tourist spot in south Kashmir. A large number of visitors were present at the time of the attack.

The attack has shocked the entire country and drawn strong condemnation from both within India and abroad.

This is among the deadliest civilian attacks in the country in nearly two decades. Security forces have started a search operation to track those involved.

In response, India took several strong steps against Pakistan on Wednesday. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to pause the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 with immediate effect.

The Integrated Check Post at Attari has also been shut down with immediate effect. Pakistani citizens will no longer be allowed to travel to India under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) visa exemption scheme.

Those currently in India on SPES visas have been given 48 hours to leave the country. Anyone who entered India through valid documents may return via the same route by May 1.

With inputs from agencies