In the aftermath of the brutal terror attack that left 26 civilians dead in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has released its first comprehensive preliminary report, unveiling disturbing details of cross-border coordination and long-term planning.
According to NIA sources, the attack was orchestrated by the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), with the active involvement and support of Pakistanās Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and elements of the Pakistani Army. The investigation uncovers a highly sophisticated terror network operating across the Line of Control (LoC), stretching from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) deep into the Kashmir Valley.
The report, compiled under the direct supervision of the NIA Director General, states that the terrorists had stored weapons in Betab Valley, a renowned tourist location and a popular Bollywood shooting spot near Pahalgam. The locationās popularity and accessibility made it an ideal yet unexpected cache site, pointing to months, if not years, of prior reconnaissance and planning.
A critical finding of the report is the identification of a local support system comprising Over Ground Workers (OGWs). These individuals allegedly played a vital role in providing shelter, conducting surveillance on security deployments and potential targets, and offering logistical support.