Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir: National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director General Sadanand Date arrived in Pahalgam on Thursday as the agency formally began its probe into the recent terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 tourists.
The NIA took over the case on Sunday from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, following an order from the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Counter Terrorism and Counter Radicalisation (CTCR) division. The attack, which has been described as the deadliest civilian assault in the region in nearly two decades, was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba.
A fresh FIR was registered by the NIA late Saturday, paving the way for a full-scale investigation. The agency had already deployed a team to the site in the days following the attack to assist local police with preliminary enquiries.
As part of its investigation, the NIA is expected to conduct a detailed forensic assessment of the scene, gather evidence, and identify those responsible for the attack.
Meanwhile, intelligence agencies have identified 14 local terrorists suspected of providing logistical and operational support to foreign militants. These individuals, aged between 20 and 40, are believed to be actively aiding Pakistan-backed terror groups including Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
According to sources, the breakdown of affiliations is as follows: three linked to Hizbul Mujahideen, eight to LeT, and three to JeM. The identified operatives include Adil Rehman Dentoo (21), Asif Ahmed Sheikh (28), Ahsan Ahmed Sheikh (23), Haris Nazir (20), Aamir Nazir Wani (20), Yawar Ahmed Bhat, Asif Ahmed Khanday (24), Naseer Ahmed Wani (21), Shahid Ahmed Kutay (27), Aamir Ahmed Dar, Adnan Safi Dar, Zubair Ahmed Wani (39), Haroon Rashid Ganai (32), and Zakir Ahmed Ganie (29).
Security operations have intensified across South Kashmir, particularly in the districts of Anantnag and Pulwama, where many of the suspects are believed to be active. Officials say the list is part of a broader intelligence dossier aimed at dismantling the terror support infrastructure in the Valley and preventing future attacks.
