An air-tight case: On Pulwama attack case charge sheet

An air-tight case: On Pulwama attack case charge sheet

Context

The National Investigation Agency has filed a chargesheet against 19 people including Maulana Masood Azhar, the leader of the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), for planning the Pulwama attack.

About Pulwama Attack:

The Pulwama attack was a dastardly terror attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy in Pulwama, Kashmir, that killed 40 personnel, in February 2019.
JeM claimed responsibility immediately after the attack in February 2019.
The chargesheet details the role of the JeM’s handlers and its local associates in Kashmir and how the attack was in the works since 2016.
The investigation, based on forensic evidence, makes a thorough claim on JeM’s and Pakistan’s role in the attack.
The Indian agency claimed explosives used in the attack came from Pakistan but Pakistan claimed the material was sourced from within the region of Jammu and Kashmir.

Chargesheet:

The JeM’s role was in reconnaissance, training and indoctrination.
The group could not have procured and transported the high-intensity explosives without the involvement of the Pakistani security establishment.

Impacts of Pulwama Attack:

The Pulwama attack was followed by the bombing of a terror training centre in Balakot in Pakistan by the Indian Air Force and retaliatory airstrikes by Pakistan.
These have resulted in a breakdown of diplomatic ties and deterioration of every aspect of relations between the already strained relations between India and Pakistan.

Way forward:

The Pulwama investigation could present an opportunity for Pakistan to initiate meaningful changes in its approach towards cross-border terror, and reform its deep State.
This is essential for Pakistan considering its continued grey-listing at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), as well as the presence of the names of hundreds of Pakistani terror groups and individuals on UN terror lists.
For the Indian Government, the chargesheet presents a case not just for detailing the role of Pakistan and its proxy actors in Kashmir, but to re-evaluate its strategy.
Withdrawal of the special status of Jammu & Kashmir, the detention of scores of political leaders including mainstream actors; and the continuing restrictions on access to broadband Internet have deepened the alienation.
The prevention of terror attacks will entail addressing the roots of alienation that contribute recruits to the cause of terrorism.