Sheikh Sajjad Gul: Mastermind Behind Pahalgam Attack

Sheikh Sajjad Gul, the 50-year-old head of The Resistance Front (TRF), has been identified as the mastermind behind the heinous Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, on April 22. Officials reveal that Gul operates under the patronage of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Gul, also known as Sajjad Ahmed Sheikh, has orchestrated numerous attacks, including targeted assassinations and grenade assaults across Central and South Kashmir between 2020 and 2024. He was declared a terrorist by the National Investigation Agency in April 2022, with a bounty of Rs 10 lakh placed on him.

The attack saw TRF gunmen slaughter 25 tourists at point-blank range after identifying their religion. Gul's journey from an MBA graduate to a feared terrorist leader in Kashmir under the ISI's support highlights his long-standing involvement in terrorism.

(With inputs from agencies.)