FPJ Exclusive: Intel Reveals Pahalgam Attack Terrorists Calculated 60–80 Minute Window For Strike Before Army, CRPF Respond

Mumbai: An ongoing investigation into the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including tourists and pilgrims, has uncovered that the assailants were part of a larger, Pakistan-backed infiltration network that has gained significant momentum since late 2024.

According to classified intelligence accessed by The Free Press Journal, the attackers infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir by scaling the Pir Panjal Range, navigating through dense terrain in the Kokernag forest, before reaching the scenic Baisaran Valley in South Kashmir. Their infiltration was reportedly facilitated by training received at cross-border launch pads, a crucial element in the militant's preparation.. 

According to an Intelligence Report from December 2024, over 167 trained terrorists were positioned at cross-border launch pads, a number that continued to rise, with 120 operatives reportedly stationed in January, February, and March of 2025. These operatives underwent extensive training under the supervision of Pakistani army personnel, ISI operatives, and members of Pakistan’s elite Special Service Group (SSG).The training module covered a wide array of skills, including weapon proficiency, guerrilla tactics, survival in jungle terrain, map reading, GPS navigation, basic field medicine, and data handling.

In the immediate aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, investigators suspected the possible presence of additional terrorists at the site. Sources within the NIA, familiar with the ongoing investigation, indicated that credible intelligence suggests the potential presence of more militants concealed within the region. Investigators believe that during the assault, more militants may have been strategically positioned at a distance, possibly tasked with providing cover fire in the event of a swift retaliation by security forces.  

Terrorists Analysed Footfall Patterns, Assessed Response Time Of Armed Forces

Intel reports indicate that prior to the attack, the terrorists conducted extensive reconnaissance, analyzing tourist footfall patterns and assessing the response time of nearby security forces. Their intelligence report suggested that investigators believe that the terrorists had calculated a 60-80 minute window in which they could carry out the attack before the nearest Army and CRPF units could respond. The Delta Company of the CRPF’s 116 Battalion, located about 4-5 kilometers away, was the closest base to the site. This deliberate timing allowed the assailants to execute their attack with minimal interference, highlighting a high level of tactical planning and coordination.  

This level of operational layering suggests that the militants involved may be part of a larger, still-active network operating in South Kashmir. 

The Intel report indicates that the attack on Pahalgam, along with other recent assaults, highlights a disturbing shift in the targeting patterns of militants in the region. Unlike in previous years, when attacks primarily focused on security personnel and military installations, recent terrorist activities have increasingly targeted civilians, including migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, and government officials.   

In the months leading up to the Pahalgam massacre, it became evident that militants had identified tourists and civilians as vulnerable soft targets. whose victimization would not only generate media coverage but also create a broader public anxiety. The Reasi attack and the Pahalgam massacre serve as stark reminders of the militants' intent to disrupt Kashmir’s growing sense of normalcy. 

In addition to targeting tourists, militants have also focused on Kashmiri Pandits employed under government schemes, This alarming trend is aimed at creating communal divisions and destabilizing state-sponsored reintegration programs for displaced families.  

A source familiar with intelligence, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that the primary objective of Pakistan-sponsored terrorists has been to instill fear among tourists visiting Kashmir. The region, which saw a significant increase in tourism following the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, was experiencing growing economic stability among Kashmiris. This rising prosperity, however, posed a threat to Pakistan, which feared losing its influence over the region. The construction of the Chenab River railway bridge further enhanced connectivity, allowing more tourists to visit the valley, especially during the peak tourist season from April to June. In response, Pakistan aimed to destabilize the region’s economy, seeking to undermine the positive impact of tourism on the lives of the local population.