Rumours Dismissed As Authorities Confirm Civilians Were Targeted In Pahalgam Attack

Amid the ongoing grief over Tuesday’s terror attack in Pahalgam, several pro-Kashmir resistance social media handles have stirred controversy by alleging that those injured were not ordinary civilians, but members of internal security and intelligence agencies.

Official sources have now refuted these claims, labelling them as ‘erroneous’.

Flyers shared online by accounts attributed to the so-called ‘Kashmir Resistance’ claimed that those killed included officers from the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and other security units.

However, sources have clarified to ANI that only one IB official, who was on leave and travelling with family, was among the victims.

“The unverified rumour spread by some X handles and TV channels that several IB officers injured is erroneous. Pakistan-sponsored terror group is trying to justify the killings as targeting non-civilians. Terrorists murdered an IB official on leave in front of his family, not several, as earlier claimed. Civilians were the target,” sources stated.

Coffins carrying the victims arrived at Srinagar airport. State government representatives gathered there to oversee the return of the deceased. They also assisted stranded tourists from various states.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday, met the bereaved families outside the Police Control Room.

Earlier, he paid floral tributes to the victims in a solemn ceremony that marked the nation’s collective grief.

Tuesday’s attack, which struck the peaceful and picturesque Pahalgam area in Anantnag district, is one of the most severe attacks since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

While investigations continue, the government has yet to issue an official tally of casualties.

To aid in recovery efforts, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has arranged four special flights – two each to Delhi and Mumbai – with the possibility of adding more depending on demand.

Security forces have launched search operations to trace the attackers.

The region remains on high alert, and visuals show deserted streets in what is usually a bustling tourist hub.

Several organisations have also called for a Jammu bandh in response to the attack.

Also Read: Amit Shah Visits Scene Of Pahalgam Attack; Vows Justice For Victims