The terrorists responsible for the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, had been in the region for days and conducted detailed surveillance of potential targets before carrying out the deadly assault, sources have revealed.
Investigative agencies learned that the attackers were present in Baisaran Valley two days prior to the attack. This critical detail emerged during the interrogation of one of the arrested Over Ground Workers (OGWs) linked to the incident.
According to senior officials involved in the probe, the terrorists arrived in Pahalgam on April 15 and surveyed at least four locations. Among them were Baisaran Valley, Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, and a local amusement park. These sites were under active surveillance by the terrorists as possible targets. However, sources indicate that robust security presence at these locations dissuaded them from launching attacks there.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is leading the investigation, has identified around 20 OGWs suspected of aiding the foreign militants. While several of them have already been detained, others continue to be under surveillance.
Intelligence inputs suggest that at least four OGWs were instrumental in supporting the terrorists by assisting with reconnaissance and providing logistical help. Investigators have also uncovered the use of three satellite phones in the region during the lead-up to the attack. Signals from two of these devices have been successfully traced, offering vital clues.
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So far, over 2,500 individuals have been questioned in connection with the incident, and 186 are currently in custody for further interrogation. The large-scale inquiry underscores the complexity and scale of the operation.
In the wake of the attack, security agencies launched sweeping raids across Jammu and Kashmir. Residences linked to members and sympathisers of banned outfits — including factions of the Hurriyat Conference and Jamaat-e-Islami — were searched in areas such as Kupwara, Handwara, Anantnag, Tral, Pulwama, Sopore, Baramulla, and Bandipora.
NIA officials stated that despite being outlawed, these organisations helped foster a support infrastructure that enabled Pakistani terrorists to plan and execute the massacre in Pahalgam.
Call records of individuals associated with these groups are now under scrutiny. Investigators have reportedly found communication links between these individuals and OGWs involved in the planning and execution of the attack.
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