NIA Investigation Reveals Pak-Based LeT Handlers Behind Reasi Terror Attack

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has uncovered the involvement of Pakistan-based handlers from the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the recent attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi. Officials revealed this information on Tuesday.

On June 9, terrorists attacked a 53-seater bus travelling from the Shiv Khori temple to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra. The assault resulted in nine deaths and 41 injuries as the bus veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Reasi.

Role of Local Accomplices

Hakam Khan, also known as Hakin Din, was arrested and interrogated by the NIA. His interrogation revealed that he provided shelter, logistics, and food to the terrorists involved in the attack. Khan also assisted them in conducting reconnaissance of the area and accompanied them on several occasions since June 1.

Based on Khan's information, the NIA conducted searches at five locations linked to hybrid terrorists and their overground workers on June 30. This led to further insights into the attack.

Involvement of Pakistan-Based Handlers

Khan's interrogation pointed towards two Pakistan-based LeT commanders, Saifullah alias Sajid Jutt and Abu Qatal alias Qatal Sindhi, who might have acted as handlers for the attackers. This aspect is still under verification by officials.

The NIA took over the investigation on June 15 following orders from the Union Home Ministry. The agency is yet to determine any common angle in recent terror attacks carried out in Jammu and Kashmir.

Previous Attacks Linked to LeT Commanders

LeT commanders Jutt and Qatal were also named in a charge sheet filed by the NIA this year regarding an attack on civilians in Rajouri district on January 1, 2023. In that incident, seven people from the minority community were killed, and several others were injured when terrorists attacked Dhangri village.

During the Rajouri attack, five civilians died from gunfire, while two others lost their lives in an IED blast the following day. The NIA continues to investigate any potential connections between these attacks and other recent incidents.

Recent Terror Attacks Under Investigation

The NIA has decided to register a case to investigate last year's terror attack on an Army convoy in Poonch district. On April 20, 2023, five Army personnel were killed, and another was seriously injured after their vehicle caught fire following a terrorist attack in Bhata Dhurian area under Poonch district.

The involvement of Pakistan-based handlers in this case cannot be ruled out. The probe aims to ascertain any common angle between last year's attack and recent terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

On Monday, heavily armed terrorists ambushed an Army convoy patrolling near Badnota village in Lohai Malhar, approximately 150 km from Kathua district headquarters. Five Army personnel, including a junior commissioned officer, were killed, and as many were injured during this fifth terror attack within a month in the Jammu region.

The NIA dispatched a team of officers to assist Jammu and Kashmir police in investigating this latest incident. The agency continues its efforts to uncover connections between these attacks and bring those responsible to justice.