'PoK-Based Terrorist Played Key Role In Pahalgam Attack, 15 OGWs Under Scanner': Key Details From NIA Probe

News18

30-04-2025

According to officials, Farooq Ahmed alias Farooq Teedwa, a Lashkar-e-Taiba commander operating from PoK, facilitated the entry of the Pahalgam attackers.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: After the dastardly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 tourists, shook the nation, the Indian Army and intelligence agencies have stepped up their investigation into the incident and are locating the perpetrators behind this incident.
After interrogating more than 2,000 Over Ground Workers (OGWs), at least 15 of these workers are under the scanner of the NIA. These 15 OGWs have been zeroed in on after intensive questioning by security officials.
One of the wanted terrorists in connection with the Pahalgam attack is Farooq Ahmed alias Farooq Teedwa, a Lashkar-e-Taiba commander who is believed to be operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). His home in J&K's Kupwara district was among the ten demolished by security forces last week.
Intelligence inputs suggest that Farooq has facilitated the entry of Pakistani terrorists and put them in touch with his network of OGWs. These workers have been questioned to ascertain the identity of those who aided the Pahalgam attackers.
Tensions High Between India And Pakistan
Tensions are high between India and Pakistan, as the Pakistani Army has repeatedly violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) for six consecutive days. Tensions have escalated as Pakistani troops have now opened fire across the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir's Pargwal Sector for the first time, to which Indian Army responded effectively.
A week since the attack, security forces, intelligence agencies, and investigation teams are carrying out relentless operations in Kashmir. Large-scale detentions are being carried out. Security forces have arrested various individuals who are believed to have assisted the attackers.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially taken over the investigation from the Jammu and Kashmir police. During the crackdown, 10 residences belonging to the terrorists were demolished. The local government has decided to shut more than 40 tourist sites to review the security audit of these sites in J&K.
Authorities have stepped up the manhunt to locate the terrorists. They have also released sketches of the suspects, and a photograph of them went viral on social media. The three terrorists were identified as Hashim Musa alias Sulaiman, Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai, and Adil Hussain Thokar. Musa and Talha are Pakistanis, while Thokar is a local terrorist, the officials said.
India's Response To Pahalgam Attack
In a high-level security meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Indian armed forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of the nation's response to the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 tourists were killed.
PM Modi also chaired the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) meeting at his official residence of 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Wednesday, the first since the Pulwama attack in 2019. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar are participating in the meeting. The PM also held a Cabinet meeting after the crucial meetings.
Meanwhile, the police arrested 3 overground workers of the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora as a crackdown on the terrorists and their associates is underway in the Valley, officials said. Intelligence sources also said the mastermind of the Pahalgam attack, Hashim Musa, is hiding in Kashmir.
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