Terrorists checked Religious Identity by remove their pants to check for circumcision

A horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam has left 26 men dead, with chilling details emerging about the perpetrators' methods to identify victims' religious identities (Hindu) before executing them. The investigation, led by a joint team of the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and administration officials, has uncovered disturbing evidence of targeted violence.

Brutal Methods to Determine Religious Identity

Examination of the victims’ bodies revealed that 20 of the 26 men had their trousers unzipped or pulled down, exposing their underwear or private parts.

Authorities believe the terrorists forced victims to remove their lower garments to check for circumcision, a practice aimed at identifying their religious (Hindu) background. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers also demanded identity documents, such as Aadhaar cards or driving licenses, and forced victims to recite the Kalma, a Muslim prayer, as part of a three-step "test" to confirm their Hindu identity.

Of the 26 victims, 25 were Hindu men, all killed by close-range gunfire after their religious identity ‘Hindu’ was established. The gruesome scene went unnoticed by grieving families, and the bodies were covered with shrouds as found.

Detailed Investigation Underway

The First Information Report (FIR) meticulously documents these findings, with officials tasked to record even the smallest details. The investigation has drawn parallels to medieval tactics of religious persecution, highlighting the brutality of the attack.

A joint team comprising Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is interrogating approximately 70 overground workers (OGWs) and known terror supporters from Tral, Pulwama, Anantnag, and Kulgam. Initially, 1,500 OGWs were detained, but the focus has narrowed to 70 individuals suspected of providing logistical support, such as shelter or food, to the attackers.

A senior Jammu and Kashmir administration official stated, “We are closing in on the real culprits. Our goal is to uncover who aided the terrorists and their motives.” Authorities are also probing whether additional individuals were involved in orchestrating the attack.

Government Response and Condemnation

The government has condemned the attack in the strongest terms, pledging full support to the victims’ families. Police and intelligence agencies are working round-the-clock to solve the case and bring the perpetrators to justice.

As the investigation progresses, the Pahalgam massacre serves as a grim reminder of the persistent threat of targeted violence in the region. Authorities remain committed to ensuring accountability and preventing future atrocities.