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Srinagar, May 1, 2025 — In a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the horrific Pahalgam terror attack, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has confirmed that Farooq Ahmed, a key commander of the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), was the mastermind behind the massacre that took place on April 22, 2025. The attack, which targeted a group of tourists in the popular Pahalgam area of Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 26 people, including 25 tourists and one local resident.
Details of the Pahalgam Attack and the Role of Farooq Ahmed
According to the NIA, Farooq Ahmed, a well-established LeT commander originally hailing from the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, played a pivotal role in organizing and executing the attack. Reports indicate that Ahmed had been operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where he was believed to have been coordinating cross-border terror activities for years. His deep understanding of the terrain and the involvement of local operatives facilitated the infiltration of militants into Indian territory.
The terrorist attack took place in the serene Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination, when five heavily armed terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists. Eyewitnesses recount the assailants directing their gunfire at unarmed individuals, including several men, while demanding they recite religious verses before being shot. Though the Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of LeT, initially claimed responsibility for the massacre, they later retracted the statement, leaving many questions unanswered.
The Lashkar-e-Taiba Network Exposed
The NIA’s investigation has revealed that Ahmed’s terror network, consisting of several overground workers (OGWs), was instrumental in providing logistical support to the attackers. These OGWs helped facilitate the safe travel and shelter of militants within the region. Ahmed’s network, which had been active for over two years, was primarily focused on recruiting and training young men for cross-border infiltration and terror activities.
The NIA is now working tirelessly to arrest several of Ahmed’s associates who have been linked to other attacks in the region. Security forces have conducted multiple raids in Kupwara and surrounding areas, resulting in the dismantling of several terror hideouts and the arrest of multiple individuals connected to the LeT.
Security Forces Intensify Operations in Jammu and Kashmir
Following the attack, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held an emergency meeting with senior security officials. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) was briefed on the current situation and instructed that immediate action be taken against those responsible for the attack.
In response to the escalating threat of terrorism, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have been put on high alert, with additional paramilitary and army units being deployed in strategic locations. The region has witnessed a surge in counter-terror operations, with several local militants being arrested and detained. The Indian government has also issued a stern warning to Pakistan, accusing it of harboring terrorists and supporting cross-border terrorism, further straining diplomatic ties between the two nations.
International Reaction and Growing Tensions Between India and Pakistan
The international community has strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, with several countries expressing solidarity with India. The United Nations has called for both India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue and avoid any further military escalation.
However, tensions between India and Pakistan continue to rise, with both countries exchanging gunfire along the Line of Control (LoC). India has accused Pakistan of providing a safe haven for terrorists operating in the region, while Pakistan has called for international intervention to address the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Justice
The Pahalgam attack has once again highlighted the ongoing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, with terror groups continuing to target innocent civilians. The government has vowed to take a strong stance against terrorism and has pledged to ensure that those responsible for this heinous attack are brought to justice.
As the investigation continues, the NIA is exploring all avenues to dismantle terrorist networks operating within the region. The government has also promised to bolster security for tourists in Kashmir to prevent such attacks from occurring in the future.
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