nia-links-j-k-s-reasi-bus-attackers-to-pak-let-terror-group

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has linked the recent attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district to Pakistan-based handlers from the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), officials stated on Tuesday.

 

On June 9, terrorists attacked a 53-seater bus travelling from the Shiv Khori temple to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.

 

The attack resulted in nine deaths and 41 injuries after the bus veered off the road when terrorists fired at it and fell into a gorge.

 

NIA officials believe at least three terrorists were involved in the attack. During the interrogation of Hakam Khan Alias Hakin Din, a man suspected to be their guide, it was revealed that he provided shelter, logistics, and food to the terrorists.

 

"Khan not only helped the terrorists with logistics but also accompanied them during reconnaissance missions," stated an official. 

 

The terrorists reportedly stayed with Khan on at least three occasions since June 1.

 

Following Khan's interrogation, the NIA conducted searches at five locations linked to hybrid terrorists and their Over Ground Workers on June 30.

 

Khan’s statements also alluded to the involvement of two Pakistan-based LeT commanders, Saifullah alias Sajid Jutt and Abu Qatal alias Qatal Sindhi in the attack.

 

They were likely to have been the handlers of the attackers. "This aspect is being further verified," the official added.

 

The NIA took over the investigation on June 15 following orders from the Union Home Ministry. Both Jutt and Qatal were previously named in an NIA charge sheet related to an attack on civilians in Rajouri district in January 2023, in which seven people were killed.

 

The NIA is also investigating a potential connection between this attack and the ambush on an Army convoy in Poonch district on April 20, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of five Army personnel. "The involvement of Pakistan-based handlers in these cases cannot be ruled out," officials said.

 

Additionally, another team of investigators has been dispatched to assist J&K police in investigating the recent terror attack in Kathua.