The investigation into the devastating Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent people on April 22, 2025, has uncovered critical links between the terrorists involved and their Pakistani masterminds. The probe, led by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) with assistance from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, has revealed a network of communication nodes extending across the border, solidifying Pakistan's involvement in the attack.
According to sources, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed a Parliamentary panel on Monday, May 19, 2025, stating that the investigation had revealed that the terrorists communicated directly with their handlers in Pakistan. This crucial finding reinforces India's long-standing accusation that Pakistan harbors and supports terrorist groups operating on Indian soil.
The identified terrorists are linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its proxy group, The Resistance Front (TRF). TRF initially claimed responsibility for the attack but later denied involvement. However, investigators say the attack bears the hallmarks of previous TRF operations. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the TRF is simply another name for the LeT.
NIA sources indicate that the conspiracy was hatched by LeT operatives under the direction of senior officials from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The plan was allegedly finalized at Lashkar's headquarters in Pakistan.
Two of the key terrorists involved in the attack have been identified as Pakistani nationals: Hashmi Musa (alias Suleman) and Ali Bhai (alias Talha Bhai). Interrogations of captured operatives reveal that these individuals were in constant contact with handlers based in Pakistan, receiving detailed instructions regarding the timing, logistics, and execution of the attack. Reportedly, the terrorists infiltrated Indian territory weeks before the attack, aided by Over Ground Workers (OGWs) who provided shelter, guidance, and reconnaissance.
The NIA has been meticulously gathering evidence, including forensic data and electronic records. Over 40 cartridges recovered from the scene have been sent for analysis. Investigators have also created 3D maps of the site and analyzed data from nearby mobile towers. Furthermore, a spike in satellite phone activity was detected in the area leading up to the attack, with at least three phones traced and analyzed.
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7. The strikes aimed to dismantle terror infrastructure and eliminate key figures associated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba. India reported neutralizing over 100 terrorists during the operation. India and Pakistan reached an agreement to halt military actions on May 10, following intense cross-border exchanges.
The Pahalgam attack, considered the deadliest on civilians since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, targeted tourists in the Baisaran Valley. The terrorists, armed with sophisticated weapons, specifically targeted Hindu tourists, although a Christian tourist and a local Muslim were also among the victims. The attack was characterized by extreme brutality, with many victims killed by headshots at close range, often in front of their families. The intention was to instill terror and undermine the normalization of the Kashmir region.
The NIA investigation continues, with efforts focused on apprehending the remaining terrorists and dismantling the support network that enabled the attack. The probe aims to gather irrefutable evidence of Pakistan's involvement and bring those responsible to justice.
