The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made a public appeal for assistance in its investigation into the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, one of the deadliest assaults in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years. The attack claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly Hindu tourists, in the Baisaran valley, and has been attributed to the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
In an official statement, the NIA urged tourists, locals, and anyone present in the area during the attack to share any relevant information, including photographs or videos that could aid the investigation. Two contact numbers have been provided—9654958816 and 01124368800—for individuals to report their observations. A senior official from the agency will coordinate further steps to collect any helpful materials.
The attack, which occurred at three different sites within the valley, was carried out by five armed militants who reportedly targeted non-Muslim visitors. Among the dead were a Christian tourist and a local Muslim, underscoring the indiscriminate brutality of the incident.
Investigators have identified three primary suspects: Adil Hussain Thoker, a resident of Anantnag, and two Pakistani nationals—Ali Bhai (alias Talha Bhai) and Hashim Musa (alias Suleiman). Notably, Hashim Musa is believed to be a former member of Pakistan’s paramilitary forces who joined LeT after being dismissed from service.
A bounty of ₹6,000,000 (approximately US$80,000) has been announced for credible information leading to the identification, arrest, or neutralization of the suspects, with ₹2,000,000 set for each. Sketches of the accused, described as young men with beards, were released earlier based on survivor accounts.
The incident has triggered national outrage and renewed scrutiny of cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Investigative sources allege the involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed in orchestrating the attack, reinforcing concerns about continued external support for militant activities in the region. The NIA is also probing the role of local overground workers in facilitating the assault.
This appeal follows recent progress in India’s counter-terrorism strategy, including the extradition of Tahawwur Rana—linked to the 2008 Mumbai attacks and LeT—from the United States. Security forces continue intensive search and combing operations across South Kashmir to track down the remaining suspects.
The NIA reiterated that public cooperation is vital for ensuring justice and enhancing national security in the face of ongoing terror threats.
