The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made significant progress in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals. Authorities have arrested two individuals accused of harboring the terrorists behind this deadly incident. This development follows an exhaustive investigation that involved questioning over 2,000 locals, including ponywalas and eyewitnesses, to gather critical information pertaining to the attack.
These arrests come amidst a broader crackdown on terrorism in the region, marked by NIA raids at 32 locations throughout Kashmir, including key areas such as Shopian, Kulgam, Pulwama, Sopore, and Kupwara. These operations specifically targeted suspected overground workers believed to be linked to Pakistan-based terrorist organizations. Collaborating closely with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the NIA’s actions are part of an overarching initiative to dismantle the terror infrastructure operating in the region.
As part of the ongoing investigations, several individuals have also been booked under the Public Safety Act. The authorities have taken steps to interview the relatives of both the victims and survivors from the Pahalgam attack, aiming to glean more insights into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The Resistance Front (TRF), identified as a proxy organization of the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), had previously claimed responsibility for the attack in Pahalgam. Following the arrests, NIA officials reported new leads concerning the attackers’ movements and their support networks. Senior teams within the agency are intensively pursuing the case to uncover more details and prevent future incidents.
These arrests highlight India’s intensified counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities are not only focused on the immediate apprehension of suspects but are also determined to create a safer environment ahead of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, while simultaneously working to suppress the resurgence of militancy in the Valley.
