Forces have launched a massive hunt to track down Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) commander and Pakistani national Abu Ismail, who has emerged as the “mastermind” of the attack on Amarnath pilgrims
Proactive operations have been launched, mainly in south Kashmir, to track down Ismail as investigations including communication intercepts have pointed out to his involvement in the attack on Amarnath pilgrims, a senior police official said
The official said the attack in Anantnag appears to be a reprisal for killing of several Lashkar militants including Bashir Lashkari in an encounter with forces earlier this month
“The militants are frustrated at the back to back losses suffered by them during counter-insurgency operations over the past month or so and have now resorted to attacking civilians and tourists,” he said
According to the official, Ismail has been active in Kashmir for several years and had moved base to south Kashmir more than a year ago
The Anantnag attack on Amarnath pilgrims came the same day when police announced arrest of a module of LeT including a Hindu militant hailing from Muzaffaranagar area of Uttar Pradesh
Lashkar has not only distanced itself from the attack on Amarnath pilgrims but also condemned the attack
LeT spokesman Abdullah Ghaznavi, while condemning the attack on pilgrims, has said, “It is against Islamic teachings.The attack on the pilgrims is highly reprehensible act Islam does not allow violence against any faith,” he said.