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Relevance: GS Paper III — Internal Security; Role of External State and Non-State Actors Source: NIA Chargesheet via PTI / The Tribune, 2026

1 · What happened

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a detailed chargesheet regarding the tragic 22 April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. In this attack at the Baisaran meadows, 26 people—mostly tourists and a local guide lost their lives.
The report reveals that a Lahore-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander, Sajid Jatt, planned the attack.  Importantly, it shows how terrorism is changing: attackers now rely heavily on drone-based weapon drops and regular mobile apps instead of just crossing borders on foot.

2 · The New Terror Playbook

Intruding across the Line of Control (LoC) is becoming a thing of the past. Today’s high-tech terror uses drones to drop weapons, hidden chat apps for commands, and local helpers (OGWs) for ground support.

Command
Remote Control from Lahore
Sajid Jatt ran the entire operation from Pakistan. He used hidden chat apps to send secure orders, routes, and drop locations to the attackers.
Response
India’s Quick Retaliation
India hit back via Operation Sindoor to destroy cross-border terror camps, while Operation Mahadev successfully hunted down the three attackers.
Mechanism
Delivery by Drones
Instead of moving on foot, drones now drop weapons, cash, and grenades deep inside our territory (like in Baramulla) without getting caught.
Threat
Misusing Everyday Apps
Attackers weaponised a regular GPS hiking app. A simple tool meant for trekkers was used to map out targets and share secret locations.

  • Local Helpers (OGWs): Even with high-tech tools, they still needed local “Over-Ground Workers” to provide food and shelter in a remote hut just before the strike.
  • Why Baisaran?: The spot was chosen because it was wide open, lacked security patrols, and completely lacked CCTV cameras.
  • The Intelligence Gap: Security forces are losing Human Intelligence (HUMINT). They aren’t getting enough tip-offs from local nomadic tribes (like the Gujjar-Bakerwals), who traditionally act as the “eyes and ears” in the mountains.

UPSC Value Box
NIA Act, 2008 India’s central anti-terror agency. It can investigate cases anywhere in the country without needing a state’s permission.
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) A Pakistan-based, UN-banned terror group responsible for major attacks, including 26/11 in Mumbai.
The Resistance Front (TRF) A fake front created by LeT to make their activities look like a “local rebellion” and dodge global bans.
Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System A modern “smart fence” on our borders using thermal cameras, sensors, and radars to catch intruders.
HUMINT Gathering secret information directly from local people and spies, rather than relying on computers or wiretaps.
Over-Ground Worker (OGW) Locals who secretly provide food, shelter, and logistics to active terrorists.
Gujjar-Bakerwal Nomadic mountain herders who have historically helped our army by reporting suspicious activities.
Op Sindoor / Op Mahadev Sindoor: India’s cross-border retaliation strikes. Mahadev: The joint mission that eliminated the Pahalgam attackers.

MCQ Practice Question
Q. With reference to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and The Resistance Front (TRF), consider the following statements:

  1. The NIA was set up under the NIA Act, 2008, and can take up cases of cross-border terror across states without prior permission of the state government.
  2. The Resistance Front (TRF) is the original parent organisation under which Lashkar-e-Taiba was later created.
  3. Bail under Section 43D(5) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act becomes very difficult once the court finds a prima facie case against the accused.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only    (b) 2 and 3 only    (c) 1 and 3 only    (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

  • Statement 1 — Correct: The NIA has the power to investigate terror offences across state borders without asking the state government first.
  • Statement 2 — Incorrect (the trap): TRF didn’t create LeT; it’s the other way around. LeT created TRF to hide its true face from global watchdogs like the FATF.
  • Statement 3 — Correct: This specific section of the UAPA law makes it extremely hard for terror-accused individuals to get bail once initial evidence is found.
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