JAMMU, OCT 10 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against an arrested accused and three Pakistani terrorists killed during an encounter in connection with a February 22, 2026, terror attack in Chatroo area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district.
The chargesheet was submitted before the NIA Special Court in Jammu on October 9. The arrested accused has been identified as Maneer Ahmed, a resident of Naidgam, Chatroo, in Kishtwar district. One of the three killed terrorists was identified as Saifullah, also known by several aliases, including Saifullah Kashmiri, Atiq Nazir and Atiq Ur Rehman.
According to the NIA, the 535-page chargesheet outlines the alleged conspiracy behind the attack, the roles of the accused and the evidence collected during the investigation.
The agency has accused Maneer Ahmed of voluntarily harbouring and concealing terrorists allegedly involved in attacks against security forces and civilians in the hilly areas of Kishtwar. Relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, have been invoked in the case.
The chargesheet also names the three killed terrorists and includes allegations relating to waging war against India and a conspiracy allegedly orchestrated from across the border.
According to the investigation, the attack involved three terrorists led by Saifullah, described by the NIA as a Pakistani national and a commander of the proscribed terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The group was associated with Kashmir Tigers, also referred to as the Azrael Group, which the agency linked to JeM.
All three terrorists were killed after security forces retaliated during the encounter. The NIA stated that the group had been active in the upper reaches of Kishtwar and was allegedly involved in multiple attacks resulting in the deaths of security personnel and local residents.
The agency further alleged that Maneer Ahmed provided support to the terrorist group.
The NIA said its investigation, which lasted nearly five months, had traced the conspiracy behind the case to Pakistan. Further investigation is continuing.
