New Delhi, Apr 14 (ANI): Activist Gautam Navlakha surrendered before National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with Bhima Koregaon violence matter, in New Delhi on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)
New Delhi [India], April 23 (ANI): A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrived at the site of the Pahalgam terror attack on Wednesday to assist the Jammu and Kashmir (J-K) Police in investigating what is being considered the deadliest assault on civilians in the region in nearly two decades.
The NIA team, led by a Deputy Inspector General-rank officer, visited Baisaran a day after terrorists gunned down a group of tourists at the picturesque meadow, located about five kilometers from Pahalgam town in Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Sources close to the development told ANI, “The NIA team members will be assisting the Jammu and Kashmir Police in the investigation.” The team’s visit is significant as several tourists lost their lives, and over three dozen people were injured in the attack at Baisaran meadow, which is a popular tourist spot near Pahalgam.
The NIA’s involvement underscores its crucial role in the investigation, especially considering that the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba’s proxy, the Resistance Front (TRF), has claimed responsibility for the attack. The NIA team is expected to conduct a detailed assessment of the attack site, collect forensic evidence, and help identify those responsible for the deadly assault.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to hand over the case to the NIA soon for further investigation.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who arrived in Srinagar shortly after the deadly attack, expressed his resolve to take strict action against the perpetrators. “With a heavy heart, paid last respects to the deceased of the Pahalgam terror attack. Bharat will not bend to terror. The culprits of this dastardly terror attack will not be spared,” Shah posted on ‘X’ on Wednesday.
Security has been heightened across the region following the attack, and a shutdown has been called in Kashmir to mourn the victims and condemn the violence.
According to officials, gunshots were heard in the area, prompting security forces to rush to the scene. The incident took place around 3 p.m. when terrorists descended from the mountains in Baisaran Valley and opened fire on tourists. Baisaran is often referred to as ‘mini Switzerland’ due to its vast, lush green meadows.
Authorities deployed a helicopter to evacuate the injured. The attack comes at a time when Kashmir has seen a significant increase in tourist arrivals after years of militancy. Notably, the 38-day Amarnath Yatra is set to commence on July 3. (ANI)
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