Srinagar: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially confirmed that the devastating Baysaran attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, was carried out by only three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists. The announcement on Thursday, August 28, marks the first formal update from the NIA since Operation Mahadev, during which all three assailants were neutralised.
Earlier survivor accounts and initial police reports had suggested that four to five attackers were involved, with speculation that local accomplices might have participated. However, the NIA has now clarified that no additional terrorists were involved, and the attack was executed solely by the three Pakistani operatives.
Investigations revealed that the terrorists scouted Baysaran in advance, selecting it as a target due to its isolated terrain, minimal police presence, and large tourist footfall. To facilitate their plans, the trio reportedly paid two overground workers (OGWs) Rs 3,000 each for food and shelter. The NIA has confirmed that a chargesheet will be filed against the arrested OGWs shortly.
The Home Minister had previously informed Parliament that three terrorists were neutralised during Operation Mahadev, and the NIA’s latest findings confirm that these same individuals carried out the attack, putting to rest earlier speculation about additional conspirators.
