Srinagar – The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has uncovered crucial evidence indicating Pakistan's direct involvement in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. According to official sources, terrorists involved in the attack had established communication with ISI-backed handlers in Pakistan prior to executing the massacre.

Key Findings:

• Three Pakistani terrorists were involved in the Pahalgam attack.
• The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) carried out the attack at the behest of Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI.
• Security forces believe terrorists are hiding within a 30-km radius of Pahalgam.

Satellite Phone and Communication Evidence

Investigators have recovered satellite phone data used by the attackers and are taking assistance from foreign forensic experts. The attackers had allegedly stayed in contact with Pakistan-based handlers both before and after the assault. Intelligence suggests ISI is now trying to exfiltrate the terrorists, particularly Hashim Moosa, back to Pakistan.

TRF Initially Claimed Responsibility

The attack was first claimed by LeT’s proxy group, The Resistance Front (TRF), which later retracted its statement. Among the five identified terrorists are three Pakistanis, including Hashim Moosa, and two locals — Adil and Ehsan Sheikh. Both had connections to Pakistan, and their houses have been demolished by authorities.

Security Forces Expand Search Operations

Indian forces have launched intensified search operations across Pahalgam, Baisaran, Larnu, Hapthgund, and Duroo forests. Security agencies are focused on capturing the terrorists alive, aiming for evidence that could expose Pakistan's cross-border terror infrastructure — similar to the 2008 Mumbai attack investigation where Ajmal Kasab was caught alive.

Network of Safe Houses Suspected

According to security agencies, the attackers likely have 15–20 days of rations and are hiding in dense forests and natural caves. They had conducted multiple recces of the area before launching the attack.

OGWs Identified, ISI's Involvement Suspected

NIA has identified over 20 Over Ground Workers (OGWs) assisting the terrorists. Two key OGWs — Nisar Ahmed alias Haji and Mushtaq Hussain, currently in Kot Bhalwal Jail, are being questioned. They are suspected of supporting both the Pahalgam and earlier Rajouri–Poonch attacks by providing safe houses and weapons.

Intelligence Gathers Digital and CCTV Evidence

More than 2,600 individuals have been interrogated, and nearly 188 people are in custody. Security agencies are analyzing data from mobile phones active around Pahalgam and Baisaran from April 20 onwards. CCTV footage from Amusement Park, Betab Valley, and Aru Valley is also under scrutiny.

Implications for India-Pakistan Tensions

This attack and the emerging evidence of direct ISI involvement have further escalated India-Pakistan tensions. India has already canceled visas of Pakistani nationals and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty talks in the aftermath.