Counter-Intelligence Operations in Jammu and Kashmir Target Terrorism
Intensified Counter-Terrorism Efforts in Kashmir
On Tuesday, the Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) unit of the Jammu and Kashmir police launched a series of search operations across various locations in the Kashmir Division as part of an ongoing investigation into a terrorist case. This action followed a confrontation between security forces and militants in the Sohan area of Udhampur district, which occurred when the Indian Army and local police initiated an intelligence-driven operation to engage with the terrorists.
The White Knight Corps shared on X that, "In an intelligence-based operation, the SOG of Jammu and Kashmir police, along with vigilant personnel from the Indian Army, engaged with terrorists in the Sohan area of Udhampur district, resulting in an exchange of gunfire."
NIA Chargesheet Reveals Terrorist Links
In a related development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has included the name of Pakistani handler terrorist Sajid Jatt along with six others in its chargesheet concerning the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack. This group includes members of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF). The chargesheet outlines their involvement in planning, facilitating, and executing targeted killings based on religious grounds, which occurred on April 22.
The comprehensive 1,597-page chargesheet details the conspiracy orchestrated from Pakistan, the roles of the accused, and supporting evidence. It also names three Pakistani terrorists killed by Indian security forces during Operation Mahadev in Dachigam, Srinagar, shortly after the deadly attack. These individuals have been identified as Faisal Jatt, also known as Suleiman Shah; Habib Tahir, known as Jibran; and Hamza Afghani.
Legal Actions Against Terrorists
The NIA has stated that the LeT and TRF, along with the aforementioned terrorists, face charges under the Indian Penal Code (BNS), the Arms Act of 1959, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967. The agency has also included punitive sections for waging war against India in its chargesheet. Following an extensive scientific investigation lasting nearly eight months, the NIA has uncovered a conspiracy linked to Pakistan, which has been persistently promoting terrorism against India. Additionally, two individuals, Parvez Ahmed and Bashir Ahmed Jothar, were arrested on June 22 for allegedly harboring terrorists, and a chargesheet has been filed against them as well.
Identifying the Attackers
During interrogations, both arrested individuals identified three armed terrorists involved in the attack, confirming their Pakistani nationality and ties to the banned terrorist organization LeT. The Pahalgam attack resulted in the targeted killings of 25 tourists and a local resident by Pakistan-backed terrorists.