Security forces have launched a massive hunt to track down alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander and Pakistani national Abu Ismail, who has been accused of masterminding the deadly attack on Amarnath pilgrims on 10 July.
Proactive operations have been launched, mainly in south Kashmir, to track down Ismail as investigations – including communication intercepts – have pointed to his involvement in the attack on Amarnath pilgrims, a senior police official said.
Seven Amarnath pilgrims, including six women, were killed and 19 injured when terrorists attacked a bus in Kashmir's Anantnag district on Monday evening.
The 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.
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. Condemning the attack on pilgrims, LeT spokesman Abdullah Ghaznavi said:
It is against Islamic teachings. The attack on the pilgrims is highly reprehensible act. Islam does not allow violence against any faith.
Not much is known about Ismail at the moment, other than the fact that the Kashmir Inspector General has referred to him as a Pakistani militant.
A photograph, allegedly of Ismail, has been released by the state police.
According to CNN-News18, Ismail who is a Pakistani national – like his senior and LeT commander Abu Dujana – may have been supported by local Kashmiri militants
The CRPF and local security forces suspect that the attack was a joint effort by both the LeT and the Hizbul Mujahideen. According to a CNN-News18 report, there were three assailants, including Ismail, who was on a motorbike and began indiscriminately shooting on the pilgrims.
Police claim the bus driver had violated the rules of the pilgrimage, which state that no yatra vehicle should be on a highway after 7 pm.
(With inputs from PTI.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)