ANI
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally taken over the investigation into the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed, sources told ANI.
Earlier, ANI had reported that the NIA was assisting the Jammu and Kashmir Police in the initial phase of the investigation, alongside other security agencies. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-based militant outfit believed to operate as a proxy for several terror groups in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, intelligence agencies have identified 14 local militants believed to be active in the region, according to ANI sources. These individuals, aged between 20 and 40, are allegedly providing logistical and on-ground support to foreign terrorists from Pakistan.
The operatives are said to be affiliated with three major Pakistan-backed terror groups: Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Of the 14 militants identified, three are linked to Hizbul Mujahideen, eight to LeT, and three to JeM.
Earlier, authorities also released sketches of three Pakistani terrorists — Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha. Additionally, two operatives from Kashmir Valley, identified as Adil Guri and Ahsan, have been named. A reward of ₹20 lakh has been announced for information leading to their capture.
