NEW DELHI: Former Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram has revealed that the attackers involved in the Pahalgam massacre were Indian citizens who received terrorism training within India.
His statement directly contradicts the Indian government’s earlier claims that the attackers came from Pakistan.
According to Indian media reports, Chidambaram criticized the Modi government’s narrative, highlighting the lack of evidence proving cross-border involvement. He also questioned the role of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), asking whether the attackers had been identified and if their origins had been determined.
He suggested the possibility that the attackers may have been domestic militants.
The Pahalgam attack took place in April 2025, where unidentified assailants killed dozens of people in Indian-administered Kashmir. Following the incident, India blamed Pakistan without presenting concrete evidence.
In retaliation, India launched airstrikes on the night of May 6 and 7, targeting multiple cities including Bahawalpur. In response, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) reportedly shot down six Indian fighter jets, including Rafales.
Subsequent Indian drone attacks in Lahore and other areas were met with strong countermeasures by Pakistan, which claimed to have downed hundreds of Indian drones. On May 10, Pakistan launched missile strikes targeting Indian airbases, military installations, and ammunition depots.
The escalating conflict prompted India to seek U.S. mediation. Following intervention by former U.S. President Donald Trump, Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire to de-escalate tensions.
