(Image source from: Moneycontrol.com)

The National Investigation Agency's preliminary findings regarding the terror attack that occurred on April 22 in Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley indicate a collaboration between Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), according to sources. The NIA has reported that the plot behind the attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, mainly tourists, was conceived within LeT, allegedly following directives from high-ranking ISI officials. This plan is thought to have been established at Lashkar's headquarters in Pakistan. The two key terrorists involved, identified as Hashmi Musa (also known as Suleman) and Ali Bhai (also known as Talha Bhai), are confirmed to be from Pakistan. Interrogations of captured operatives reveal that both attackers maintained ongoing communication with handlers based in Pakistan, receiving specific guidance on the timing, logistics, and implementation of their attack.

It is believed that the terrorists crossed into Indian territory weeks ahead of the incident, supported by a network of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) who assisted with local logistical needs, including shelter, navigation, and reconnaissance. The NIA has undertaken comprehensive forensic and electronic evidence collection. More than 40 bullets found at the scene have been submitted for ballistic and chemical evaluation. Investigators have also created a 3D model of the attack site and gathered data dumps from mobile towers in the surrounding valley. Activity from satellite phones in the area surged in the days leading up to the assault, with at least three satellite phones operating in and near Baisaran; signals from two of these devices have been traced and analyzed. To date, over 2,800 individuals have been interviewed by the NIA and security agencies. As of May 2, more than 150 people remain in custody for further questioning, including suspected OGWs and individuals associated with banned organizations such as Jamaat-e-Islami and various factions of the Hurriyat Conference.

Raids have been conducted across several districts, including Kupwara, Pulwama, Sopore, Anantnag, and Baramulla. The homes of various persons suspected of facilitating cross-border terrorism were searched. Notably, authorities searched the residence of Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar, known as Latrum, a significant figure in the 1999 IC-814 hijacking case who is believed to be operating from Pakistan. Zargar's home in Srinagar was previously attached under the strict Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2023. The NIA has also obtained CCTV footage from important transit and public locations around Pahalgam to track the movements of the attackers and is reviewing data from security checkpoints in neighboring areas to identify patterns.

Numerous eyewitnesses, including victims' families, pony operators, and food vendors, have come forward to provide accounts that help reconstruct the timeline of the attack. Many reported that the attackers appeared to use body-mounted cameras, likely to document the incident for propaganda purposes, and these reports are currently undergoing forensic examination. The NIA has also linked the Pahalgam attack to a previous incident in 2024 near the Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg, Ganderbal district, where seven individuals, including six laborers and a doctor, lost their lives. It is believed that members of the same LeT-supported group carried out both assaults. An operative named Junaid Ahmed Bhatt was eliminated during a confrontation in December 2024. Another individual, now recognized as Hashim Musa, is believed to have been involved in both attacks.

As reported by sources, the terrorists reached Pahalgam approximately on April 15, a week prior to the incident. They conducted thorough surveillance at four targeted locations, which included Baisaran Valley, Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, and a local amusement park. Ultimately, Baisaran was selected owing to its comparatively lighter security presence at that moment. The assailants spent a minimum of two days monitoring tourist activity in Baisaran, aided by four significant Over Ground Workers.