Pahalgam. (image-X/INCKerala)
Srinagar: In the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed at least 26 lives, mostly tourists, on Tuesday, social media has become rife with misinformation and conspiracy theories. One widely circulated false claim suggests that terrorists specifically targeted a “large contingent of IB officials” vacationing in the area with their families.
According to the social media posts, a large number of Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Navy and other government officials were in the area as part of an undercover agency tasked with research.
This claim is untrue.
Also Read | Pahalgam Terror Attack: Muslim Horse Rider Shot Dead, Family Says He Was The Sole Breadwinner
Only one IB officer was killed in the attack. The officer, Manish Ranjan, a native of Bihar and posted as a section officer in Hyderabad, was on a Leave Travel Concession (LTC) trip with his family when he was shot dead in front of his wife and children during the ambush in Baisaran, Anantnag district.
Another victim was Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, a young Indian Navy officer who was in Kashmir on his honeymoon. Narwal, recently married on April 19, was posted in Kochi.
Indian Air Force Corporal Tage Hailyang was also killed in the attack. He was visiting Pahalgam with his wife. Originally from Tajang village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Ziro, the 30-year-old was posted at the Indian Air Force base in Srinagar.
Despite social media chatter, there is no evidence to support claims of a targeted attack on undercover government agents or coordinated intelligence presence in the area.
Also Read | After Pahalgam: A Look Back At The Deadliest Civilian Terror Strikes In Kashmir
Meanwhile, a high-tech counter-terror operation is in progress in the forested regions of Pahalgam and Vaisaran after a recent terror attack. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with Chief of Defence Staff, all three defence chiefs over Pahalgam terror attack.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of each of those killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on Tuesday. All arrangements have been made to transport of the mortal remains of the deceased back to their homes in a dignified manner, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said.
