NIA Files 535-Page Chargesheet in Kishtwar Terror Attack, Traces Conspiracy to Pakistan

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a 535-page chargesheet against four accused, including three Pakistani terrorists killed in an encounter, in connection with the February 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, the agency said.

The chargesheet was filed before an NIA court in Jammu on October 9. It details the alleged conspiracy, the roles of the accused and evidence gathered during an investigation spanning five months.

The case relates to an attack at Wani Mohalla in Passer Kote, Chatroo, on February 22. According to the NIA, three terrorists led by Saifullah, a Pakistani national and commander of the proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), were involved. All three were killed in retaliatory fire by security forces.

The agency identified the deceased terrorists as Saifullah and two Pakistani nationals named in the chargesheet. It said they were associated with Kashmir Tigers, also known as the Azrael Group, which operates under JeM.

The NIA said its investigation traced the alleged conspiracy to Pakistan and identified cross-border links. The group was active in the upper reaches of Kishtwar district and had allegedly carried out other attacks that killed security personnel and local residents, the agency said.

The fourth accused, Maneer Ahmed, a resident of Naidgam in Chatroo, Kishtwar, has been arrested. The NIA alleges that he voluntarily harboured and concealed terrorists involved in attacks on security forces and civilians and provided support to the group.

The agency has invoked provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, against Ahmed over the alleged harbouring and concealment of terrorists. It has also invoked provisions concerning waging war against India and criminal conspiracy against the three deceased accused.

The NIA said the chargesheet sets out the alleged roles of the accused and the evidence collected during the probe. The case will now proceed before the court in Jammu.

The chargesheet is a filing of the agency’s allegations; the accused’s liability will be determined through the judicial process.