NIA Intensifies Probe Into Pahalgam Terror Attack, Examines Eyewitnesses To Uncover Evidence
The entry and exit points are being closely scrutinised by the investigating NIA teams for clues to the modus operandi of the terrorists.
After taking over the probe of the Pahalgam terror attack case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) teams, which have been camping at the terror attack site since Wednesday, have intensified the search for evidence.
The teams, overseen by an IG, a DIG and an SP from the anti-terror agency, are examining the eyewitnesses who had seen the horrifying attack unfold before their eyes at the peaceful and picturesque Baisaran valley. The eyewitnesses are being questioned in minute detail to piece together the sequence of events that led to one of the worst terror attacks in Kashmir.
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The entry and exit points are being closely scrutinised by the investigating NIA teams for clues to the modus operandi of the terrorists. The teams, aided by forensic and other experts, are checking the entire area thoroughly for evidence to expose the terror conspiracy that led to the horrendous attack that has shocked the nation.
NIA has begun the process of formally taking over the Pahalgam terror attack case, in which 26 innocent tourists were mercilessly shot dead on Tuesday, following orders from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Meanwhile, the security forces have so far revealed the sketches and identities of the terrorists involved in the April 22 terror attack and announced a bounty of Rs 20 lakh on each.
According to the police, the three terrorists were identified as Hashim Musa alias Sulaiman, Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai, and Adil Hussain Thokar. While the first two were Pakistani terrorists, Thokar is a resident of Kashmir, the police have informed.
In swift action against the terrorists, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has so far demolished the houses of seven terrorists across the Union Territory, including in districts such as Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag, Kulgam, and Kupwara.
Tensions along the India-Pakistan border have escalated following the Pahalgam attack, with Pakistan initiating unprovoked ceasefire violations for the second day, prompting a strong response from the Indian Army.
Besides military action, the Centre has tightened screws on Pakistan via diplomatic channels. In the Cabinet Committee for Security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a day after the attack, bold decisions were taken, including putting the Indus Waters Treaty at abeyance — the move which has rattled Pakistan and prompted them to threaten “an all-out war" against India.
Responding to this, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said in a Television interview that the Kashmir issue with India would lead to a war.
On Friday, Pakistani leader and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari threatened India with “blood" if the Indus Treaty is not followed.
“The Indus is ours and will remain ours — either our water will flow through it, or their blood," he had said at a rally.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri responded to him, stating, “Tell him to jump somewhere in water. Well, how will he when there will be no water? Do not dignify such statements. They will get to understand that."
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