The anti-terror agency will now spearhead investigations into the April 22 massacre that killed 26 tourists, as agencies intensify crackdowns on terror networks operating across South Kashmir.
April 27, 2025: New Delhi:
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally taken over the probe into the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, including one Nepali national, on April 22.
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The handover from the Jammu and Kashmir Police occurred after an order from the Counter Terrorism and Counter Radicalisation (CTCR) Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The NIA team, led by a Deputy Inspector General-rank officer, had already visited the attack site at Baisaran meadow on April 23 and initiated preliminary evidence collection alongside local authorities.
A new FIR was officially registered late Saturday.
Key Details of the Investigation:
- The April 22 attack was claimed by the Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
- The NIA will now conduct a detailed forensic analysis, trace logistical support channels, and identify terrorists and facilitators involved.
- A helicopter evacuation had been deployed immediately after the attack to transport injured civilians to safety.
Crackdown On Local Terror Networks:
Meanwhile, intelligence agencies have identified 14 active local terrorists believed to be aiding cross-border militants:
- 8 linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
- 3 affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen
- 3 associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)
The list includes names like Zubair Ahmed Wani, Haroon Rashid Ganai, Shahid Ahmed Kutay, and Adil Rehman Dentoo, all considered high-risk operatives actively facilitating foreign terrorists within Kashmir.
Security forces have launched coordinated operations across Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam, targeting hideouts and logistics channels.
Bounty Announced:
Authorities had earlier identified five terrorists directly linked to the Pahalgam attack:
- Three Pakistani nationals: Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha
- Two Kashmir-based operatives: Adil Guri and Ahsan
A ₹20 lakh reward has been announced for credible information leading to their arrest.
Security Outlook:
The timing of the attack is concerning as it comes ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, set to commence on July 3, when tourist inflow to Kashmir typically peaks.
The NIA’s direct involvement underlines the Centre’s commitment to dismantling the terror ecosystem operating inside Kashmir and addressing cross-border infiltration with a firm hand.
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NIA Pahalgam case, Pahalgam terror attack, Jammu Kashmir terrorism, Lashkar-e-Taiba TRF, Kashmir militants list, Counter terrorism India, April 22 attack Kashmir, Amarnath Yatra security, Ministry of Home Affairs, South Kashmir crackdown