Pahalgam Terror Attack: NIA Begins Probe in Srinagar; Pakistan Minister Blames ‘Home-Grown’ Elements — Key Highlights
The Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF have sealed off the area, with security measures significantly intensified.
Attack
A high-level team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reached Srinagar to investigate the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists, including two foreign nationals. In a parallel move, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have requested data from telecom companies to identify mobile numbers active in the vicinity during the time of the incident, in a bid to trace suspects and gather leads.
In response to the attack, the Indian Army, J&K Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have cordoned off the region, significantly ramping up security. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to New Delhi. Upon arrival, he held a brief but urgent meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the Delhi airport to discuss the evolving situation.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif publicly denied his country's involvement in the attack, instead claiming it to be an outcome of "home-grown discontent." He alleged that the people involved are fighting for their rights and blamed India for inciting unrest. According to him, Hindutva forces are exploiting religious minorities in India, triggering local uprisings. Asif further stated that Pakistan has submitted evidence on multiple occasions regarding India’s alleged role in destabilising regions like Balochistan.
Indian intelligence agencies, however, have identified The Resistance Front (TRF) commander Saifullah Kasuri alias Khalid, along with two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives from Rawalkot, as the masterminds behind the attack. Sources indicate that Pakistani and local Kashmiri terrorists carried out a well-planned reconnaissance of the area, assisted by local sleeper cells, before launching the brutal assault on Hindu pilgrims and tourists.
As a mark of mourning, schools across Jammu and Kashmir remain closed for the day. Markets in Handwara and Kupwara have also downed shutters following a bandh call issued in protest of the Pahalgam attack.
In an operational boost, the Indian Army has deployed ALH Dhruv helicopters to support counter-terror operations in the region. These helicopters had been grounded for over two months following a crash involving Indian Coast Guard personnel in Porbandar, Gujarat.
In a gesture of solidarity, the Chinese Ambassador to India expressed condolences on social media, stating, “Shocked by the attack in Pahalgam. We condemn this act of terror and extend our heartfelt sympathies to the victims and their families. We oppose terrorism in all its forms.”
As investigations deepen and political tensions rise, the Pahalgam attack is expected to be a defining moment in India’s counter-terrorism efforts and its diplomatic positioning in the region.
