NIA Launches Separate 'Larger Conspiracy' Probe into TRF

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigating the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack has launched a separate, "larger conspiracy" probe into the funding of The Resistance Front (TRF) — seen as a proxy outfit of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) — that initially claimed responsibility for the massacre in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 25 tourists and a local pony guide, officials said on Wednesday.

- Neeraj Chauhan

NEW DELHI:

The probe comes amid a manhunt for three Pakistani terrorists that executed the attack and the arrest of two locals who gave them shelter.

TRF claimed responsibility within hours of the Pahalgam terror attack but later tried to disassociate itself from the ghastly killings as global condemnation mounted. Indian agencies have said TRF is nothing but a name Pakistan uses for LeT, designated as a terrorist outfit by the United Nations, to avoid international sanctions.

The new investigation pertains to the activities of a Handwara resident, identified as Shafat Wani, who was receiving funds from TRF leaders from across the border, which he used to promote terrorist activities in India, said an officer, who asked not to be named.