Pahalgam Terror Attack: India Intensifies Crackdown, NIA Leads Probe as Mastermind Identified

 In the wake of the brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22 that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, Indian security forces and intelligence agencies have launched a comprehensive and aggressive investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

Farooq Ahmed alias Farooq Teedwa,
a Lashkar terrorist in PoK, had facilitated the entry of the Pahalgam attackers.

According to official sources, over 2,000 Over Ground Workers (OGWs) have been interrogated so far, with at least 15 currently under the scrutiny of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). These individuals were identified following extensive questioning by security personnel across various districts in the Union Territory.

One of the key suspects in the Pahalgam attack has been identified as Farooq Ahmed, also known as Farooq Teedwa—a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander reportedly operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). His residence in Kupwara district was among ten structures demolished by security forces last week in an intensified crackdown on terror affiliates.

Intelligence inputs indicate that Farooq facilitated the infiltration of Pakistani terrorists into Indian territory and connected them with his established network of OGWs. These operatives are now being questioned further to pinpoint those directly involved in aiding the attackers.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated following the attack. The Pakistani Army has violated the ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC) for six consecutive days. Notably, the recent exchange of fire has extended to the International Border in J&K’s Pargwal Sector, marking a significant escalation. Indian forces have responded effectively to these provocations.

As the investigation unfolds, security forces have detained several individuals believed to have provided logistical or operational support to the attackers. The NIA has formally taken charge of the case from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, signaling the seriousness of the probe. As part of its strategy, the administration has also ordered the demolition of residences linked to the accused terrorists and temporarily closed over 40 tourist destinations to facilitate a comprehensive security audit.

Authorities have released sketches and a viral photograph of the suspects involved in the attack. The three identified terrorists include Hashim Musa alias Sulaiman, and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai—both Pakistani nationals—as well as Adil Hussain Thokar, a local militant. Intelligence sources suggest that Musa, believed to be the mastermind behind the attack, is currently hiding in Kashmir.

Government Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a high-level security review held on Tuesday, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to combating terrorism with resolve. He assured that the Indian armed forces have full operational autonomy to determine the method, target, and timing of any response to the Pahalgam attack.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister chaired a crucial meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) at his residence—its first since the 2019 Pulwama attack. Key ministers including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participated in the deliberations, which were followed by a full Cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have made fresh arrests, including three OGWs from Bandipora district, as the counter-terror operations continue across the Kashmir Valley.

The situation remains fluid, with heightened security measures, intelligence operations, and diplomatic ramifications unfolding in real time as India prepares its next steps in response to one of the deadliest terror strikes in recent years.