Terrorists fired four rounds in the air to celebrate: Key witness on Pahalgam terror attack

The security forces suspect involvement of four militants in the April 22 Pahalgam attack.

A key eyewitness detailing the horrific killings in Pahalgam's Baisaran valley on April 22 has told investigators that he saw gunmen fire four rounds in the air in "celebration" after killing 26 civilians, according to a report by The Indian Express.

Pakistan-based terrorists attacked a group of tourists in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam, in Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, leaving dozens dead and several more injured. It was the first major terror attack on civilians in Kashmir since the Centre ended J&K’s special status in 2019.

The eyewitness, who the National Investigation Agency (NIA) tracked with help from Jammu and Kashmir Police and central intelligence agencies, has been confronted by the three Pakistan-based terrorists after the attack, the publication reported.

Last month, the NIA had arrested two men for allegedly harbouring the terrorists who carried out the heinous attack. The accused have been identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote, and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park. Both Batkote and Hill Park are in Pahalgam.

“The duo, during questioning, have disclosed the identities of the three terrorists involved in the attack. They have also confirmed that they were Pakistani nationals affiliated to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT),” an NIA spokesperson told media.

As per NIA investigation, both Parvaiz and Bashir had knowingly harboured the three armed terrorists at a seasonal dhok (hut) at Hill Park before the attack. “The two men had provided food, shelter and logistical support to the terrorists, who had, on April 22 afternoon, selectively killed the tourists based on their religious identity, making it one of the most gruesome terrorist attacks ever. Both Parvaiz and Bashir have been arrested under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Further investigation in the case is going on," the NIA spokesperson added.

The eyewitness - who was able to share key details of what transpired on the fateful day has reportedly told investigators that the gunmen stopped him while they were leaving Baisaran after gunning down the civilians. "He was asked to recite the Kalma, and once he started speaking in his local accent, they spared him. They started celebratory firing- four rounds were shot in the air," The Indian Express quoted a source who is familiar with his statement.

The publication also reported that the man 'told' investigators that he saw Parvaiz Ahmad and Bashir Ahmad allegedly standing near a hill and looking after the belongings of the attackers, which the gunmen eventually collected from them.

The security forces suspect involvement of four militants, including three Pakistanis Hashim Musa alias Suleiman, Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai, Asif Fauji and a local militant, Abid Hussain Thoker, a resident of Anantnag in the April 22 Pahalgam attack. On May 7, the Indian military launched Operation Sindoor to target and destroy terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK to avenge the Pahalgam attack.