By – Shubhendra Singh Rajawat
In a major revelation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has found concrete evidence of Pakistan’s involvement in the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Preliminary findings suggest that the terrorists had established contact with their handlers in Pakistan prior to executing the massacre. The attack, which occurred on April 22 in the scenic Baisaran area of Pahalgam, resulted in the tragic deaths of 25 tourists and one local horseman.
According to top security sources, the attack was orchestrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) under the directives of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI. The NIA, in coordination with various security forces, is making serious efforts to capture the terrorists alive, believing that this could expose Pakistan’s role globally—similar to the capture of Ajmal Kasab after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
Terrorists Identified, ISI’s Role Under Lens
The NIA has identified five terrorists involved in the attack. Among them are three Pakistani nationals including Hashim Moosa, and two local operatives named Adil and Ehsan Sheikh. Adil had reportedly visited Pakistan on a visa in 2018 and returned two years ago. Security forces have demolished the houses of Adil and Ehsan in an effort to break local support networks.
Intercepts and interrogations have revealed that the terrorists were in continuous contact with ISI-backed handlers in Pakistan before and after the attack. Intelligence inputs suggest that the terrorists used satellite phones for communication, and foreign cyber forensics experts have been roped in to analyze the data.
Manhunt Underway Across South Kashmir
Security agencies believe that the terrorists are hiding within a 30 km radius of Pahalgam and are trying to escape the cordon. Their handlers across the border have activated overground worker (OGW) networks to help them escape. Dense forests and natural caves in Anantnag district are believed to be providing them shelter, with security forces suspecting that the terrorists had pre-stocked supplies to sustain themselves for over two weeks.
In response, extensive search and combing operations have been launched in Pahalgam, Baisaran, Larnoo, Hapatgund, Doru and surrounding forested areas. The aim is to capture the attackers alive and expose the entire cross-border terror machinery.
LeT Front Group TRF First Claimed, Then Denied Responsibility
Initially, The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of LeT, claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the group later distanced itself from the incident, raising further suspicion of Pakistan’s deep involvement and attempts to hide its hand in the terror plot.
Link to Other Attacks: Common Terror Module Suspected
Investigators believe that the same terror group might be behind other recent attacks in Rajouri-Poonch, Botapathri, and Gagangir. Capturing these terrorists alive could help unravel the larger network, including safe houses, supply chains, and the modus operandi of the militant groups operating across the Jammu & Kashmir region.
“This is the first time in over three decades that a single terror squad has launched repeated attacks across different regions and escaped,” a senior official remarked, underlining the complexity and depth of the terror infrastructure.
Overground Workers, Key Suspects Under Watch
The agencies have identified over 20 OGWs and are currently interrogating two key suspects: Nisar Ahmed alias Haji and Mushtaq Hussain from Gursei, Poonch. Both are believed to have provided logistical support in the 2023 Bhata Dhurian Tope Gali attack. They are currently in judicial custody in Kot Bhalwal Jail and may hold vital information linking the Pahalgam attack to other regional terror activities.
Tech-Driven Probe: 3D Mapping, Forensic Analysis, and Call Data Records
The NIA has conducted four on-ground surveys of the massacre site. The latest inspection involved the NIA Director General, and a 3D mapping of the location has been completed. Over 60 bullet casings have been recovered and sent for forensic analysis.
More than 2,600 people have been questioned so far, with 188 currently in custody for further interrogation. Hotel operators, tour guides, horse service providers, and others from the Pahalgam area have been questioned. CCTV footage from Pahalgam, the amusement park, and Betaab Valley is being analyzed in depth. Although Baisaran itself lacked surveillance cameras, other adjacent tourist areas are aiding the investigation.
Mobile data records from the region are also being scanned. All active phone numbers in the vicinity between April 20 and 22 are being reviewed and categorized.
Wider Surveillance Across Kashmir
Apart from Anantnag, areas like Kulgam, Shopian, Kupwara, Handwara, Tral, Pulwama, Sopore, Baramulla, Budgam, and Bandipora are under increased surveillance as agencies widen their net. The intent is to uncover the entire LeT-ISI nexus, their logistics chains, training modules, and regional support systems.
With increasing pressure from both domestic and international quarters to crack down on cross-border terrorism, the Pahalgam attack could serve as a turning point if the perpetrators are captured alive.