Pahalgam terrorists rejected 3 other sites for attack due to tight security: Report

The terrorists, who carried out the attack in Pahalgam on April 22, had conducted a reconnaissance of at least three other locations in the area and ruled them out because of heightened security in those places.

This disclosure was made by one of the arrested Over Ground Workers (OGWs) linked to the attack, according to senior officials conducting the probe quoted by NDTV in a report.

Other potential targets

The terrorists allegedly scouted three other potential targets including the amusement park in the Baisaran area, the Aru Valley, and the Betaab Valley, a couple of days before the attack.

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Since these locations had visibly extra security, they decided not to target them.

Role of OGWs

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) that is leading the inquiry has reportedly identified about 20 OGWs who are believed to have provided support to the terrorists. Some of them have been arrested, while others are under active surveillance by security agencies.

The intelligence sources say that at least four of them played an important part in the attack by helping the terrorists with logistical and reconnaissance support.

The agency has found evidence that three satellite phones were used in the area during the days before the attack. The sleuths have traced signals from two of these phones.

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The sources say that the terrorists may have also used an advanced communication system that enabled them to exchange messages and communicate securely without using a SIM card.

Extensive probe

The intelligence agencies are conducting an extensive investigation, with coordinated raids across Jammu and Kashmir including Anantnag, Pulwama, Kupwara, Handwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Tral, and Sopore.

The homes of those who are members or sympathisers of banned outfits like the Jamaat-e-Islami and the different Hurriyat Conference factions have been searched.

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The intelligence sources believe that these banned groups facilitated the creation of a support network that allowed the terrorists to carry out the attack. The investigators have come across communication between members of these groups and the OGWs involved in the attack.

The agencies have questioned more than 2,500 persons, and almost 200 of them are in custody for further interrogation.