Pahalgam Terrorists’ Pakistan Link: Why Mobile Phones, NADRA Cards Recovery Could Be a Key

Memories of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 are still fresh. But our security forces avenged the gruesome killings on innocent civilians in just 22 minutes, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself said earlier this week. “India gave a befitting reply to Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack.”

Indian Armed Forces on Monday (July 28) neutralized 3 terrorists, including the Pahalgam mastermind during Operation Mahadev in Srinagar. Recoveries have been made from the slain terrorists, which have uncovered some crucial information and could also reveal their Pakistan trail.

These terrorists were neutralised in an intense firefight with security forces in the Harwan area near Dachigam National Park of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pahalgam Attackers: What recoveries have been made from terrorists?

Forces have found at least 3 mobile phones and 2 LoRa (long-range) communication sets from Pahalgam attackers killed during Operation Mahadev. Images of 2 Pakistani National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) cards have been discovered from these devices, according to a report in The Indian Express.

The 3 phones recovered from the terrorists are being analysed by the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) for data recovery. Further, the 2 LoRa communication sets are also being examined for any stamps of Pakistan.

In addition to the phones and LoRa sets, the forces have also found a GoPro harness, a 28-watt solar charger, 3 mobile chargers, one Swiss Military power bank, needle and threads, medicines, a stove, dry ration and a lot of tea. All of this comes in in addition to the 2 Aadhaar cards that were also recovered from the terrorists.

The ID is in the name of 2 local residents of Ganderbal and Srinagar. While they belong to 2 Indian nationals, procuring Aadhaar is a routine task for Pakistani terrorists so they can move around without raising any eyebrows.

Why the recovery of these phones, LoRa sets is important?

Using the data recovered from these devices, security agencies could find a trail to Pakistan as the discoveries made include documents, images, and details of local contacts, which are expected to aid in identifying further suspects. They could also help in tracing the logistical backing for the terrorists.

Additionally, the LoRa sets can help provide key info on how the terrorists moved in the past few months, ultimately revealing their origin.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while confirming that 3 terrorists who were involved in the killing of civilians were eliminated by the security forces during Operation Mahadev, shared they have Pakistan voter numbers for two of the three. “We found chocolates manufactured in Pakistan on them. In front of the whole world, this country’s former Home Minister is giving a clean chit to Pakistan.”