On June 9, a devastating attack on a bus transporting pilgrims to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals and injuries to 41 others. The attack occurred when terrorists opened fire on the bus, causing it to plunge into a deep gorge.Â
In connection with this tragic event, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at several locations in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. This follows the Union Home Ministry's decision on June 15 to transfer the investigation to the NIA.
The anti-terror agency raided five locations linked to hybrid terrorists and underground workers (OGWs). These locations were identified by the apprehended terrorist Hakam Khan, also known as Hakin Din. According to the NIA's investigation, Hakam had provided safe shelter, logistics, and food to the terrorists involved in the June 9 attack. The pilgrims targeted in the attack were predominantly from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.
An official release from the NIA stated, "The searches, conducted as part of the NIA probe in the case, led to the seizure of various items showing linkages between the terrorists and on-ground workers. The NIA has started examining the seized material to unravel the terror conspiracy."
Approximately 50 individuals have been detained by Jammu and Kashmir Police as part of the ongoing investigation into the attack. Sources indicate that three Pakistani terrorists suspected of involvement in the attack were also implicated in an attack on an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy in Poonch on May 4. These terrorists are reported to have received training in jungle warfare.
Initially, the responsibility for the attack was claimed by the Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba terror organization. However, the group later retracted their statement.
