Anantnag local who 'guided' Pahalgam killers had travelled to Pakistan for terror training

A local terrorist from Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, who guided the attackers responsible for the recent deadly strike in Pahalgam, had reportedly received terror training in Pakistan, TOI has reported.

The man, identified as Adil Thokar alias Adil Guree, is believed to have played a key role in helping Pakistani terrorists plan and carry out the attack that killed 26 people, most of them tourists, on 22 April. As per TOI, Adil had legally travelled to Pakistan in 2018 through the Attari-Wagah land border. During his stay, he received training in terror camps before infiltrating back into Jammu and Kashmir sometime last year.

Read more: Pahalgam goes from 'mini-Switzerland' to ghost town in an instant; tourism, local businesses brace for worse
Lying low before the attack
As per TOI, sources in the Jammu and Kashmir security setup told TOI that Adil had kept a low profile upon his return and was seen only a few times in south Kashmir. He reportedly avoided direct involvement in terror activities until this major operation.

The source added that Adil knew the Baisaran area in Pahalgam very well, a beautiful but remote meadow surrounded by dense pine forests. This local knowledge helped the terrorists plan the strike. Adil is believed to have helped them find a hideout, study the area for days, finalise the attack method and timing, and secure an escape route.

The picturesque region of Pahalgam, known for its natural beauty and bustling tourism industry, has been left shaken. Locals say they are uncertain about their future as the attack has scared tourists away. Many businesses that depended on visitors are now in distress.

Strong response from India

In a strong reaction to the attack, India has announced several key measures against Pakistan, accusing it of supporting cross-border terrorism.

At a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, it was decided that India will:

• Put the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 on hold until Pakistan clearly and permanently stops supporting terrorism.
• Shut the integrated Attari Check Post immediately.
• Cancel all visas issued under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES).
• Order all Pakistani nationals in India to leave the country within 48 hours.

Diplomatic Fallout

India has also declared the Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as persona non grata, asking them to leave the country within a week. At the same time, India will withdraw its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors posted at its High Commission in Islamabad.

Additionally, five support staff members linked to the service advisors from both missions will be pulled out. From 1 May 2025, the total number of diplomats at each high commission will be reduced from 55 to just 30.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri shared these decisions at a press briefing on Wednesday evening following the CCS meeting. He stated that India’s actions are aimed at sending a clear message to Pakistan and the international community that terrorism will not be tolerated.

Inputs from TOI