The recent terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley has shocked the country. Survivor and eyewitness statements show how the tourists were trapped inside the valley, as both the entry and exit gates were blocked by terrorists.

This attack took place in Baisaran meadow, a popular tourist spot often called 'mini Switzerland'. According to investigating agencies, the massacre was carried out by four terrorists. Two terrorists entered through the entry gate, one was at the exit gate, and the fourth may have been hiding in the forest nearby to support the others.

The attackers left 25 tourists and one local Kashmiri dead. Investigators say that only three of the four terrorists fired bullets at the tourists, who were busy enjoying their picnic and food. Two of the terrorists wore army uniforms, while the third wore a traditional Kashmiri pheran.

"Recite the kalma," terrorists said before firing

The first shots were fired at the exit gate. This caused panic, and tourists started running toward the entry gate. But the terrorists were already waiting there.

At the entry gate, the terrorists gathered the tourists and gave instructions. First, they asked the women to separate from the men, but the people refused. Then the terrorists told Hindus to separate from Muslims. Again, the crowd refused.

The terrorists then asked the tourists to "recite the Kalma" (the Islamic declaration of faith) before starting to shoot. Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, a Navy officer who had just entered the valley, was among the first to be shot.

Most of the casualties happened near a tea stall and bhelpuri stall, where many tourists had gathered. After the attack, the terrorists escaped by jumping over a wall on the left side of the park.

NIA team investigating the attack

A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reached Baisaran Valley along with two members from the Forensic Science Lab (FSL). They are trying to recreate the attack and have started videographing the forest and the path believed to be used by the terrorists to escape.

The NIA is questioning about 45 local people, including shopkeepers and pony ride operators. A zipline operator, seen in a video where a tourist was heard chanting "Allahu Akbar" three times during gunfire, is also being questioned.

Officials say the terrorists might have used "mobile paid application" and "paid encrypted mobile" to talk to their Pakistani handlers. Meanwhile, security forces have increased search operations in South Kashmir.

Read: Hashim Musa, Ex-Pak Army commando linked to Pahalgam terror attack: Sources