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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its investigation into the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, focusing on potential links to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terrorist organization. The NIA is currently interrogating two LeT operatives, Mushtaq and Nisar, who are presently incarcerated in a Jammu jail. These individuals were previously apprehended for their involvement in the 2023 Rajouri attack, which targeted civilians and resulted in significant casualties, including women and children. The investigators have identified similarities between the modus operandi employed in the Pahalgam attack and the Rajouri attack, prompting them to explore the possibility of a coordinated effort or a shared operational strategy between the perpetrators. The interrogation of Mushtaq and Nisar is aimed at uncovering crucial information about the planning, execution, and network of individuals involved in both attacks. The NIA seeks to establish a definitive connection between the jailed operatives and the Pahalgam incident, which targeted tourists and raised concerns about the security situation in the region. The focus on LeT stems from the organization's history of conducting terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, and its known capability to orchestrate complex attacks. By scrutinizing the activities and contacts of Mushtaq and Nisar, the NIA hopes to dismantle the LeT network operating in the area and prevent future acts of terrorism. The investigation is multifaceted, involving the analysis of forensic evidence, intelligence gathering, and the interrogation of suspects. The NIA is collaborating with other security agencies to gather comprehensive information and coordinate their efforts. The Pahalgam attack has had a significant impact on the tourism industry in the region, which is a vital source of livelihood for many local residents. The government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of tourists and restoring confidence in the region as a safe destination. The NIA's investigation is a crucial step in achieving this goal by bringing the perpetrators to justice and deterring future attacks. The agency is employing its expertise and resources to thoroughly investigate all leads and uncover the truth behind the Pahalgam incident. The successful prosecution of those responsible will send a strong message that terrorism will not be tolerated and that those who engage in such acts will be held accountable. The ongoing investigation highlights the persistent threat of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to counter this threat. The NIA's efforts are essential in safeguarding the security and stability of the region and protecting the lives of its citizens.
Furthermore, the NIA's investigation has taken an intriguing turn with the discovery of a significant lead related to the movement of a banned Huawei satellite phone in the Pahalgam region at the time of the attack. Huawei, a Chinese telecommunications company, is currently prohibited in India due to security concerns and allegations of close ties to the Chinese government. The presence of a Huawei satellite phone in the area raises serious suspicions that the device was smuggled into India from Pakistan or another foreign country, potentially for use by the terrorists involved in the attack. Satellite phones provide a means of communication that is difficult to intercept or monitor, making them a valuable tool for terrorist organizations seeking to coordinate their activities discreetly. The NIA is investigating the origin of the Huawei phone, its intended recipient, and the purpose for which it was used. This aspect of the investigation involves tracing the phone's movements, analyzing its call logs, and identifying any individuals who may have been in contact with it. The discovery of the Huawei phone underscores the challenges faced by security agencies in preventing the smuggling of illicit goods and technologies across borders. It also highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism and preventing the proliferation of dangerous technologies. The NIA is working with intelligence agencies and law enforcement agencies in other countries to gather information about the Huawei phone and its potential links to terrorist networks. The use of a banned device by terrorists is a serious concern, as it demonstrates their ability to circumvent security measures and access advanced technologies. The NIA is committed to disrupting the supply chain of such devices and preventing them from falling into the hands of those who would use them to harm innocent people. The investigation into the Huawei phone is a critical part of the overall effort to unravel the Pahalgam attack and bring the perpetrators to justice. It also serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of the terrorist threat and the need for security agencies to adapt their strategies and tactics accordingly. The ongoing investigation underscores the importance of maintaining strict border controls and monitoring the movement of goods and technologies that could be used for illicit purposes. It also highlights the need for continued investment in intelligence gathering and counterterrorism capabilities to effectively address the evolving threat of terrorism.
The similarities in the modus operandi between the Rajouri and Pahalgam attacks, which initially triggered the NIA's renewed interest in questioning Mushtaq and Nisar, are now being examined in granular detail. Investigators are comparing the types of weapons used, the tactics employed, the communication methods utilized, and the overall planning and execution of both attacks. The objective is to identify common threads that could link the two incidents and provide further evidence of a coordinated effort or a shared operational strategy within the LeT network. This analysis involves scrutinizing forensic evidence recovered from both attack sites, examining witness testimonies, and analyzing intelligence data gathered from various sources. The NIA is also focusing on the individuals who were involved in both attacks, attempting to identify any overlapping personnel or connections between the perpetrators. This includes examining the financial networks and support systems that may have facilitated both operations. The similarities in the modus operandi could indicate that the same individuals or groups were involved in both attacks, or that the perpetrators were trained or influenced by the same individuals or organizations. This information is crucial for understanding the structure and functioning of the LeT network and for identifying its key leaders and operatives. The NIA is also exploring the possibility that the Rajouri and Pahalgam attacks were part of a larger campaign of violence aimed at destabilizing the region and undermining the government's efforts to maintain peace and security. This requires analyzing the broader context of the attacks, including the political and social dynamics of the region, and identifying any factors that may have motivated the perpetrators. The investigation into the similarities in the modus operandi is a complex and time-consuming process, but it is essential for understanding the full extent of the terrorist threat and for developing effective strategies to counter it. The NIA is committed to pursuing all leads and uncovering the truth behind the Rajouri and Pahalgam attacks, ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice and that the region is protected from future acts of terrorism. The ongoing investigation underscores the importance of interagency cooperation and intelligence sharing in combating terrorism and preventing future attacks.
Source: NIA questions two jailed LeT operatives in Pahalgam terror attack probe