Amarnath attackers trapped in forests of JK's Kulgam, massive hunt launched: Sources

Security forces surrounded the area and proactive operations have been launched in Kulgam. Photo: Representational (PTI)

NEW DELHI: Security forces have launched a massive hunt to track down terrorists responsible for carrying out deadly attack on Amarnath pilgrims. All four attackers may be hiding in forests of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam, Home Ministry sources said. Security forces surrounded the area and proactive operations have been launched in Kulgam. Seven Amarnath pilgrims, including six women, were killed and 19 injured when terrorists attacked a bus in Kashmir's Anantnag district on Monday evening. An official said the attack in Anantnag appears to be a reprisal for killing of several Lashkar militants including Bashir Lashkari in an encounter with security forces earlier this month. "The terrorists are frustrated at the back to back losses suffered by them during counter-insurgency operations over the past month or so and have now resorted to attacking civilians and tourists," he said. Security forces are also trying to to track down Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) commander and Pakistani national Abu Ismail, who has emerged as the mastermind of the attack. According to the official, Ismail has been active in Kashmir for several years and had moved base to south Kashmir more than a year ago. The Anantnag attack on Amarnath pilgrims came the same day when police announced arrest of a module of LeT including a Hindu terrorist hailing from Muzaffaranagar area of Uttar Pradesh. Lashkar has not only distanced itself from the attack on Amarnath pilgrims but also condemned the attack. LeT spokesman Abdullah Ghaznavi, while condemning the attack on pilgrims, has said, "It is against Islamic teachings". "The attack on the pilgrims is highly reprehensible act. Islam does not allow violence against any faith," he said. (With PTI inputs)