New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet in connection with the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, formally naming Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists as the perpetrators behind the killing of 26 civilians in one of the most brutal attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years.
According to the charge sheet submitted before a designated NIA court, the attack was meticulously planned and executed by operatives of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, with logistical support, reconnaissance, and facilitation provided by local overground workers. The investigation has established that the attackers targeted civilians with the intent of creating widespread fear, destabilising the region, and disrupting peace and tourism in Kashmir.
Details of the Attack and Investigation
The Pahalgam attack, which took place in a popular tourist area, resulted in the deaths of 26 people, including visitors and local civilians, and left several others injured. The incident triggered nationwide outrage and prompted a high-level security review across the Union Territory.
NIA officials said the probe uncovered clear evidence of cross-border terror linkages, including communication records, financial transactions, and digital footprints linking the accused to Lashkar handlers operating from across the border. The charge sheet names key LeT operatives and details their roles in planning, arms procurement, infiltration routes, and execution of the attack.
Charges and Legal Provisions
The accused have been charged under multiple sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Indian Penal Code, and other relevant laws. The NIA has also invoked provisions related to conspiracy, terror financing, and harbouring of terrorists.
Investigators noted that the attackers conducted prior reconnaissance of the area and deliberately chose a location frequented by tourists to maximise impact and international attention.
Government Response
Senior government officials reiterated a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, stating that those involved in planning, executing, or supporting terror acts will be brought to justice. The filing of the charge sheet, officials said, reflects the government’s resolve to pursue terror cases to their legal conclusion, even when they involve cross-border elements.
Impact on Security and Tourism
The attack had a significant impact on tourism in south Kashmir, particularly in Pahalgam, which is considered a major economic lifeline for local residents. In the aftermath, security measures were intensified, with increased deployment, surveillance, and coordination among intelligence agencies.
Way Forward
With the charge sheet now filed, the case will move into the trial phase. Legal experts say the detailed documentation of terror links and operational planning strengthens the prosecution’s case and could set an important precedent in counter-terror investigations.
The Pahalgam terror attack remains a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges in the region. As the judicial process unfolds, authorities maintain that sustained intelligence operations, international cooperation, and strict enforcement of anti-terror laws remain central to preventing such attacks in the future.