The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in its preliminary investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack has unravelled the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI's nexus with the terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as per a report by Jagran.com. 

Based on the information gathered so far, it is being said that before and after the brutal killing of 26 innocent civilians, the terrorists contacted their handlers sitting in Pakistan.

As per the report, the investigating agency is taking help from foreign experts to gather details of the satellite phones used by the terrorists. Security agencies believe that this attack was carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba at the behest of the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI.

It is noteworthy that on April 22, terrorists killed 26 people, including 25 tourists and one local ponywala, in Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley. 

Lashkar-e-Taiba's offshoot, The Resistance Front (TRF), took responsibility for the attack, but later, it denied its role in the attack. Investigative agencies have identified five terrorists involved in the attack.

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These include three Pakistanis including Hashim Musa and two local terrorists named Adil and Ehsan Sheikh. The houses of Adil and Ehsan have been demolished by security agencies. Adil went to Pakistan on a visa in 2018 and is said to have returned only two years ago.

Terrorists Hiding Within 30 KM Radius

The terrorists involved in the attack are said to be hiding somewhere within a radius of 25-30 km of Pahalgam. They are making efforts to leave the Indian territory. Their Pakistani handlers have reportedly contacted their local overground worker (OGWs) network to get them out of the area as security forces have intensified searches.

Reports suggest that the Lashkar commander and the ISI are trying to get Hashim Musa out safely. According to the security agencies, the terrorists had done a recce of the entire area before carrying out the attack.

Apart from this, the security agencies believe that only after these terrorists are caught alive, the conspiracy behind the attacks on security forces and civilians in Rajouri-Poonch, Botapathri, and Gagangir will become clear. Moreover, the details of all the locals involved in them will also be out.