Centre hands over Pahalgam terror attack probe to NIA

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday transferred the Pahalgam terror attack probe to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

At least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed after they were attacked by terrorists at the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22.

On Saturday, a three-member NIA team recorded the statements of survivors of the terror attack.

Agencies issue list of 14 local terrorists in J-K

Intelligence agencies have identified 14 terrorists- eight belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and three each from Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM)— currently “active” in the Kashmir Valley, officials told HT.

The agencies have claimed the presence of 50-60 active terrorists in the region. But there are 14 terrorists whose exact details, including addresses, have been gathered.

A majority of these 14 terrorists joined the ranks of Pakistan-backed outfits after 2021, and are in their early 20s. They are “active” in Shopian (five) and Pulwama (four), Anantnag (two) and one each in Sopore, Awantipora and Kulgam, the officials told HT.

The security forces have intensified the crackdown on terror in J&K, demolishing the homes of nine terrorists in the region.

Acting on the recent attack, the Centre suspended the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, downgrading bilateral ties and shutting down Attari checkpost as it hit back at Islamabad over the brazen attack.

On Thursday, the Jammu and Kashmir Police released sketches and identities of three terrorists said to be involved in the April 22 terror attack. All three terrorists are affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The three terrorists were identified Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai and Hashim Musa alias Suleiman.

Of the three LeT operatives, Musa and Talha are suspected to be Pakistani terrorists, while Thokar is a Kashmiri local.

A reward of ₹20,00000 has been offered for any information on any of these terrorists.