NIA Probe Exposes Lashkar’s Pahalgam Attack Plot Backed by ISI, Pak Army

In its preliminary findings, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has uncovered strong evidence indicating the involvement of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and operatives from the Pakistan Army in orchestrating the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Times Now, one of the suspects, Hashim Musa, also known as Suleman or Suleiman, is believed to be a former para commando of the Pakistan Army’s elite special forces. The NIA has identified him as a key player in the execution of the deadly assault.

Initial TRF Claim Withdrawn Under Pressure

The Resistance Front (TRF), widely considered a proxy of LeT, initially took responsibility for the attack. However, the group soon retracted its claim amid growing global scrutiny and stated that its earlier announcement was a “breach.” In a controversial move, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar revealed that Islamabad had successfully used its influence at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to remove TRF’s name from statements referencing the attack.

Terrorists Coordinated from PoK

Investigations have revealed that the terrorists, numbering between five to seven, maintained frequent contact with their handlers located across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These handlers are believed to have played an instrumental role in directing and executing the operation remotely.

Sources stated that overground workers provided vital logistical support and local intelligence. Prior to the assault, the attackers reportedly stashed their weapons in Betaab Valley, a popular tourist destination, to avoid early detection.

 Hunt Continues in South Kashmir Forests

On April 22, terrorists opened fire on civilians in the Baisaran Valley area of Pahalgam, killing 26 people, most of whom were tourists. The NIA officially took over the case on April 27 and continues to pursue leads suggesting that some of the attackers may still be hiding in the dense forests of South Kashmir.

India Responds with Strong Diplomatic and Strategic Actions

The Indian government has vowed to deliver severe punishment to those behind the brutal attack and has undertaken several punitive actions against Pakistan. These include:

• Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty

• Shutting down the Attari land transit route

• Cancellation of visas for Pakistani nationals

• Closure of Indian airspace to Pakistani aircraft

These measures reflect India’s firm stance on cross-border terrorism and signal its intention to escalate diplomatic pressure on Islamabad over its continued support for terror networks.