The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially assumed control of the investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including one Nepali national, according to ANI. The attack, which occurred on 22 April at the scenic Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, left dozens of others wounded, ANI reports.
Acting upon the orders of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Counter Terrorism and Counter Radicalisation Division, the NIA registered a fresh First Information Report (FIR) late on Saturday. As per ANI, this decision was prompted by the severity of the incident, with Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba’s proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF), claiming responsibility for the brutal assault.
Teams led by senior NIA officials, including an Inspector General, Deputy Inspector General, and Superintendent of Police, are meticulously examining eyewitnesses to reconstruct the chain of events, ANI reports. Forensic experts are also assisting in scrutinising the entry and exit points to gather critical evidence and understand the modus operandi of the terrorists.
The NIA`s presence at the site since Wednesday has significantly intensified the investigation. The teams continue to comb through the Baisaran valley for any clues that could expose the wider terror conspiracy.
Sources informed ANI that the Indian Army remains on high alert, launching widespread search operations to locate and neutralise the terrorists involved. Authorities have also identified a list of 14 local terrorists, aged between 20 and 40, suspected of aiding foreign militants. These operatives are reportedly affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
The agencies are linking these individuals to five terrorists directly involved in the attack, including three Pakistani nationals. Sketches of the Pakistani terrorists — identified as Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha — have been circulated, with a bounty of ₹20 lakh placed on each, ANI reports.
In the wake of national outrage and protests, the Indian government has responded firmly. As per ANI, India has suspended the 1960 Indus Water Treaty and closed the Attari border checkpost as a measure against Pakistan.
The Pahalgam attack comes at a time when Kashmir was witnessing a significant surge in tourism, adding to the gravity of the incident. The upcoming Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence on 3 July, has now been placed under heightened security scrutiny.
(With inputs from ANI)
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