From Rajouri To Dachigam: Decoding Pakistani Module's Plan To Unleash Terror On Kashmir Valley
The encounter in Dachigam on July 28, neutralised not only a terror cell but a comprehensive terror syndicate that utilised cross-border support and advanced encrypted technology.
Are Pakistani terror groups reviving urban guerrilla warfare tactics in Jammu and Kashmir? In the past few months, Rajouri, Poonch, and the Kashmir Valley has witnessed several terror attacks. Top security sources have told CNN-News18 that these attacks on civilians and security forces were carried out by a group of terrorists, including five Pakistanis and one local operative named Junaid, who was trained abroad. The encounter in Dachigam on Monday, July 28, neutralised not only a terror cell but a comprehensive terror syndicate that utilised cross-border support and advanced encrypted technology.
These six individuals, including Junaid, have been a significant problem in the Valley, causing major disruptions and insecurity over the past year. According to top intelligence sources, they are responsible for nearly 100 killings, including civilians and Army personnel. Key attacks in Pahalgam's Baisaran and Gulmarg's Bota Pathri over the last two years, as well as in Rajouri and Poonch, have been attributed to this group.
CNN-News18 Decodes The Terror Module
Top intelligence sources confirm that four hardcore Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives named Suleman, Musa, Yasir (all Pakistanis), and Junaid (a local Kashmiri) infiltrated into India in 2023 through Rajouri-Poonch. Junaid acted as the local handler, providing terrain knowledge, logistics, and shelter, while the others were seasoned Pakistani infiltrators.
The group successfully established Lashkar's operational base in Rajouri and Poonch, opening a new front in proxy warfare. They executed a series of deadly, high-precision attacks, including the Dera Ki Gali ambush, inflicting heavy casualties on the Indian Army. These attacks were characterised by meticulous planning, encrypted communication, and insider knowledge, which led to significant losses among Indian elite forces.
After conducting four major attacks, the group altered their strategy and moved undetected via Pir Ki Gali into the Kashmir Valley, using a route traditionally not monitored for infiltration. The group split into two modules: Suleman and Junaid moved towards Gagangir in October 2024, while Musa and Yasir headed to Bootpatri (Bota Pathri).
On October 20 and 24, Musa and Yasir carried out twin attacks on Army positions in Bootpatri, while Suleman and Junaid struck in Gagangir, targeting and killing engineers in their first symbolic strike in the Valley. Both modules then regrouped in the Dachigam area, where they were joined by fresh infiltrators from Pakistan -Jibran and a senior Pakistani handler codenamed Afghan Bhai.
Dachigam served as their new base, where they received logistics, regrouped, and remained hidden for months. Security agencies picked up digital signatures of Musa and Yasir from Bootpatri, which helped track the group. On December 3, 2024, Junaid was killed in an encounter in Harwan–Dachigam, marking a major intelligence breakthrough. Junaid's death provided Indian agencies with deep insights into Lashkar operations, hierarchy, and movement patterns.
Suleman, who escaped the encounter, joined Afghan and Jibran, continuing operations from within Dachigam. In April 2025, following orders from Pakistani handlers, they moved via Tral to Pahalgam to execute a fresh attack. After the attack, the group retreated towards Hapatnar and finally returned to Dachigam, where they were ultimately eliminated in a decisive encounter.
The module operated with its own encrypted communication network, bypassing traditional telecom surveillance. Security agencies report that Suleman and Junaid's partnership was strategic, combining foreign tactical expertise with deep local ground intelligence. The group's movement from Rajouri to the Valley marks a shift in Lashkar's playbook from border-centric attacks to deep-infiltration valley-based terrorism. Intelligence believes this module was part of a new Pakistani terror groups' plan to revive urban guerrilla warfare in Kashmir using hybrid militants and foreign commanders.
Manoj Gupta
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
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jammu and kashmir Pahalgam attack terrorism
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