NIA probes Hamas role in Pahalgam

IN a significant development in the Pahalgam terror attack investigation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally flagged the need to examine possible links between Pakistan-backed terror groups and Hamas.

- MUKESH RANJAN

In its charge sheet, the NIA said further investigation is required to establish whether the accused organisations—Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its proxy The Resistance Front (TRF)—have any connections with the Gaza-based Hamas, as well as other globally designated terrorist outfits, including Al Qaeda and its affiliates.

According to probe officials, their suspicion is based on the fact that they found some similarities in the modus operandi between October 7, 2023 attacks against Israeli revelers and April 22, 2024 attack on tourists in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.