In hunt for gunmen, 2 possibilities on radar

Indian security forces are pursuing two theories about the whereabouts of three terrorists who killed 26 tourists in Kashmir two months ago, with officials divided over whether the attackers remain in hiding or have fled to Pakistan.

- Neeraj Chauhan

NEW DELHI:

The manhunt for the Pahalgam attackers continues with no arrests since the April 22 assault at Baisaran meadow, according to three security officials.

Authorities have identified the suspected attackers as Hashim Musa, also known as Suleiman, and Ali Bhai, also called Talha Bhai — both Pakistani nationals — and local operative Adil Hussain Thokker. The government has offered rewards of 20 lakh for each suspect.

Initial eyewitness accounts suggested four to five terrorists could have been involved, though security forces have so far identified these three.

Security agencies are split between two assessments of the terrorists' location, the officials said, citing these as based on "tell-tale signs" and "intelligence assessments".