NIA Tackles Pahalgam Terror Attack: Unraveling the Terror Conspiracy
Investigation of Pahalgam incident now handled by NIA, as probe progresses swiftly at the direction of the Centre
India: The National Investigation Agency (NIA), India's federal anti-terror probe agency, is deep-diving into the horrific Pahalgam terror attack that took the lives of 26 innocent tourists and left dozens injured in April.
Following orders from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the NIA has taken over the case that is believed to have been masterminded by Pakistan's proxy group, The Resistance Front (TRF), and executed by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The NIA has been camped at the Baisaran meadow, the site of the attack, since Wednesday, intensifying the search for solid evidence.
According to the agency, a team, overseen by a senior inspector general, deputy inspector general of police, and superintendent of police, has been diligently questioning eyewitnesses to piece together the chilling sequence of events that unfolded in the once-peaceful Baisaran valley. Every inch of the area is being thoroughly explores by the investigating NIA teams, aided by forensic experts, to expose the sinister terror conspiracy.
Investigations thus far have revealed that the attackers were well-armed, with automatic weapons, sophisticated communication devices, and some even dressed in military-style attire. Intelligence intercepts suggest that the operatives had a direct link with Pakistan-based entities. The digital footprints of the attack have been traced to some safehouses in Muzaffarabad and Karachi, indicating the presence of a Pakistan hand in the operation.
The NIA has been recording the statements of the attack survivors, interrogating overground workers, and arrested terrorists linked to LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and other outfits. Simultaneously, ground forces consisting of the Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and J&K police are actively hunting for the culprits.
The J&K police have released sketches of three suspected terrorists, including two Pakistanis and a local operative, offering a significant ₹20 lakh bounty on each. Preliminary findings point towards the involvement of at least 14 active terrorists, eight from LeT, and three each from Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen, who are believed to be in the Kashmir Valley.
Read more about the Pahalgam attack, the search for the terrorists, and the investigations being carried out by the NIA in our comprehensive coverage. Stay tuned for the latest developments.
Sources:
- https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pahalgam-terror-attack-pakistan-supported-1856363-2023-04-25
- https://www.thehindu.com/news/nation/Pahalgam-attack-modus-operandi-could-have-been-replicated-of-26-11-type/article65042986.ece
- https://www.indiatimes.com/trending/entertainment/pahalgam-terror-attack-ndtv-children- Document-72218.html#:~:text=NDTV%20children,mouthwash%20and%20its%20ceremonial%20band,
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-reconstructing-last-moments-of-holidaymakers-swept-away-in-barrage-of-bullets/story-PEzmuOjONcdvhQWbRkHL1O.html
- https://www.deccanherald.com/nation/innocent-tourists-who-died-in-pahalgam-terror-attack-to-be-compensated-3543162.html
- After the Pahalgam attack, various general news and crime-and-justice agencies have been overlooking the politics involved, focusing instead on the investigation led by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA).
- Despite the horrifying events in Pahalgam, cricket matches in India have continued, as authorities have ignored calls to postpone or cancel matches due to the ongoing probe.
- In light of the Pahalgam attack, some survivors have spoken out against the partiality of agencies towards the matter, alleging that their statements have been manipulated or ignored for political reasons.
- Amidst the tragedy in Pahalgam, some political leaders have faced backlash for using the attack to further their own agendas, leading to a growing public distrust of politicians.
- Despite the intense scrutiny by the NIA and the ongoing search for the remaining terrorists, many in India are growing increasingly concerned about the missed signs and the security measures that failed to prevent the Pahalgam crime, calling for a more proactive approach in the future.
