 Sandeep Bhat
Early Times Report
Jammu, June 24: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has revealed a deeper Pakistani conspiracy, implicating four terrorists, including a previously undisclosed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander operating from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The attack, which claimed 26 Indian lives, was orchestrated with direct support from Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies, according to the investigation.
The NIA has identified Farooq Ahmed Tadwa, a Kupwara native turned LeT commander, as the fourth terrorist involved in the Pahalgam attack. Unlike the other three attackers, Tadwa was not physically present at the scene but played a critical role in coordinating the assault from PoJK.
“Tadwa was actively monitoring and directing the operation in real-time from across the border,” sources said.
Tadwa, who left his home in Kupwara in 1990 to join terrorist ranks in PoJK, has a long history of orchestrating attacks in the Kashmir Valley. His family confirmed he severed ties with them decades ago to pursue militant activities. As a senior LeT commander, Tadwa is believed to have been a key planner in multiple terror incidents, making him a high-priority target for Indian security forces.
The NIA previously released sketches of three terrorists involved in the attack: Adil Hussain of the Kashmir Valley, Hashim Musa, and Ali Baba Wani. Hashim Musa, identified as the primary assailant, was a former Pakistan Army soldier, further highlighting the direct involvement of Pakistan’s military establishment. The trio took shelter in a hideout in the Baisaran valley near Pahalgam before launching their assault, aided by two local residents who have been arrested for providing logistical support.
The investigation has been traced to Lashkar, with LeT chief Hafiz Saeed a The terror attack was orchestrated with direct support from Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies.
The NIA has identified Farooq Ahmed Tadwa, a Kupwara native turned LeT commander, as the fourth terrorist involved in the Pahalgam attack.
Unlike the other three attackers, Tadwa was not physically present at the scene but played a critical role in coordinating the barbaric attack from PoJK.
Tadwa, who left his home in Kupwara in 1990 to join terrorist ranks in PoJK, has a long history of orchestrating attacks in the Kashmir.
The Pahalgam attack, one of the deadliest in recent years, left 26 Indian nationals dead and sent shockwaves across the nation. The scenic town, a popular tourist destination, was gripped by chaos as the terrorists unleashed violence. The NIA’s findings indicate the attackers aimed to maximize civilian casualties to destabilize the region.
In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, a precision missile strike targeting LeT’s headquarters in Muridke, Punjab province, Pakistan. The operation also dismantled several terrorist bases linked to LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Since the strike, both Hafiz Saeed and JeM chief Masood Azhar have gone into hiding, evading capture.
The NIA is investigating whether additional individuals or groups facilitated the attack, with a focus on cross-border smuggling routes used to supply weapons and funds.
Security forces have intensified operations in Kupwara and other vulnerable districts to dismantle remaining terror networks. Tadwa’s family in Kupwara is under scrutiny, though they claim no contact with him since his departure in 1990.
The Pahalgam attack has renewed calls for stronger action against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Indian officials have vowed to pursue all those involved, including planners operating from PoJK and Pakistan. “No one involved in this heinous act will escape justice,” a senior Home Ministry official stated.
The NIA continues to probe the attack, with efforts underway to track Tadwa and other LeT operatives in PoJK. International pressure is mounting on Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure, as India shares evidence of its military’s complicity with global partners. |
