New Delhi: Fresh revelations in the investigation of the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam suggest that the assailants had infiltrated the area days before the strike and had even conducted detailed reconnaissance of key tourist spots, according to reports by India Today and NDTV.
Quoting security sources, India Today reported that the terrorists arrived in Pahalgam and carried out surveillance of three high-footfall locations on April 15, days ahead of the attack that shocked the nation. Among the locations surveyed was the local amusement park, which was reportedly dropped from the hit list due to heightened security presence.
The attackers are believed to have used an ultra-secure communication system that allowed them to operate without conventional SIM cards, significantly reducing the risk of interception. This raises serious concerns about the level of technological support the group may have received.
In a separate development, NDTV, citing investigative sources, reported that one of the arrested Over Ground Workers (OGWs) disclosed the terrorists’ presence at Baisaran Valley just two days prior to the massacre. The OGWs, estimated to number around 20, are suspected of providing logistical support and carrying out surveillance operations for the attackers.
The terrorists are also said to have conducted reconnaissance missions at Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, and the amusement park, per NDTV. Security officials say this indicates a meticulously planned operation, aided by extensive local support.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently spearheading the probe into the attack, which left 26 civilians dead and several others injured. The agency is now focusing on unravelling the entire terror network, including identifying the handlers, OGWs, and communication infrastructure used during the attack.
