Survivors of Pahalgam terror attack have disclosed gory details of how at least four militants in military-style uniforms moved silently into the tourist spot for 20 unbroken minutes, targeting locals and pilgrims systematically. The attackers came from the pine woods where families had been having a picnic mere moments before Sunday’s massacre.
Survivor Testimonies:
• “They marched like soldiers on duty – going through tents one by one,” 14-year-old Aditya Sharma told, as he took cover behind dead bodies.
• “My wife begged in Kashmiri, but they shot her saying ‘This is for Delhi’,” cried Gujarati tourist Ramesh Patel.
• Militants “asked for bottled water between shootings,” hotel staff said in bone-chilling calm.
Tactical Breakdown:
Security officials point out alarming trends:
Disguised Approach: Used genuine-looking army uniforms to dodge initial screening.
Terrain Acquaintance: Utilized forest cover close to Betaab Valley tourist spot.
Protracted Timeline: 20-minute timing indicates pre-planned escape routes.
Security Failures Revealed:
– CRPF post a mere 800m away took 17 minutes to arrive.
– No drone monitoring operational despite peak pilgrimage season.
– Tourist police unarmed per local protocol.
Global Fallout:
The attack has triggered:
• Cancellation of 38,000 Amarnath Yatra bookings overnight.
• UK/US issuing Kashmir travel alerts.
• UN counter-terror chief calling for emergency session.
**Slug Link:** *pahalgam-attack-eyewitness-20-minute-rampage*
Heroic Acts Emerge:
– Guide saved 15 by herding them into underground potato storage
– 3 trips in bullet-ridden car by local driver to transport injured
– Off-duty army major fought attackers before becoming critically injured
Security forces now recovered 56 empty AK-47 magazines at the scene – showing careful planning.
