July 30,2025 — Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday presented detailed forensic and intelligence evidence in Parliament, establishing a direct link between the April Pahalgam terror attack and Pakistan-based terror groups. The statement follows weeks of speculation and political debate over the origin of the attackers involved in the massacre.
In his address to the Lok Sabha, Shah said that multiple layers of investigation — including ballistic reports, digital footprints, and recovered identity documents — have confirmed that the perpetrators were Pakistani nationals associated with the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba and its proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF).
The Pahalgam attack on April 22 shocked the nation, as terrorists in uniform opened fire on tourists at Baisaran Valley, killing 26 civilians. Most of the victims were Hindu pilgrims and domestic tourists, including one Christian and a local Muslim pony-operator who attempted to resist the assailants. Shah noted that the attackers used helmet-mounted cameras to record parts of the assault, indicating premeditated and ideologically driven violence.
“The weapons used in the attack have been matched with those recovered from the terrorists neutralized in Operation Mahadev. Forensic teams confirmed identical ballistic patterns, and the digital data traced the attackers’ movements and communications to locations in Muzaffarabad and Karachi,” Shah told the House.
During the operation, three militants — identified as Suleman, Hamza alias Afghani, and Zibran — were killed in a joint offensive by the Army, Central Reserve Police Force, and Jammu & Kashmir Police. According to the Home Minister, all three were confirmed to be Pakistani nationals. Pakistani voter ID cards, locally manufactured chocolates, and communication devices were recovered from the site of their death.
Shah’s statement was also directed at opposition parties, particularly former Home Minister P. Chidambaram, who had earlier suggested that the attackers could be “homegrown.” Without naming him directly at first, Shah criticized the opposition for allegedly attempting to deflect blame from Pakistan.
“We have undeniable proof — forensic, digital, and testimonial. Those questioning this narrative must ask themselves whose interests they are serving,” Shah said.
He further informed the House that India has briefed diplomats from over 30 countries, presenting the findings as part of its international campaign to expose Pakistan’s role in sponsoring cross-border terrorism.
The Pahalgam massacre and its aftermath have reignited debate around national security and counter-terror policy. India has since undertaken several diplomatic measures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, expulsion of Pakistani diplomats, and freezing of bilateral dialogues.
The Home Minister concluded his speech by reaffirming the government’s commitment to bring all perpetrators and supporters of terrorism to justice. “We will not rest until every hand involved in the killing of innocent Indians is held accountable,” he said.
The investigation into the broader network supporting the attackers is ongoing. Security agencies are continuing operations to dismantle remaining sleeper cells and local collaborators.
