The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched a public appeal for assistance in its ongoing investigation into the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that occurred on April 22. This horrific incident resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, predominantly Hindu tourists, during a strike attributed to the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
In a detailed statement, the NIA urged tourists, locals, and those who were in the vicinity at the time of the attack to come forward with any pertinent information, including photographs or videos that could aid their investigation. The agency has provided two contact numbers—9654958816 and 01124368800—for individuals to report relevant observations. A senior official from the NIA has been assigned to coordinate the collection of any helpful materials.
The assault unfolded at three separate locations within the Baisaran valley and involved five armed militants who specifically targeted non-Muslim visitors. Among the casualties were not only tourists but also a local Muslim, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence.
Investigators have pinpointed three key suspects: Adil Hussain Thoker, hailing from Anantnag, and two Pakistani nationals, Ali Bhai (alias Talha Bhai) and Hashim Musa (alias Suleiman). Notably, Hashim Musa is thought to be a former member of Pakistan’s paramilitary forces who allegedly joined LeT after being dismissed from his duties.
A substantial bounty of ₹6,000,000 (approximately US$80,000) has been announced for credible information leading to the identification, arrest, or neutralization of these suspects, with ₹2,000,000 allocated for each. Sketches of the accused—described as young men with beards—were released earlier based on testimonies from survivors.
This tragic event has sparked national outrage and renewed focus on the issue of cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Investigative sources suggest that Hafiz Saeed, the head of Lashkar-e-Taiba, may have played a role in orchestrating the attack, raising serious concerns about the ongoing external support for militant activities in the region. The NIA is also examining the involvement of local overground workers who may have facilitated the attack.
This public appeal comes on the heels of recent advancements in India’s counter-terrorism strategy, highlighted by the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, who has links to the 2008 Mumbai attacks and LeT, from the United States. Meanwhile, security forces are engaged in intensive search and combing operations across South Kashmir, aiming to locate the remaining suspects.
The NIA has stressed that public cooperation is crucial for achieving justice and bolstering national security amid persistent terror threats.
