Did NIA File Charges Against Three in the 2024 Srinagar Market Blast?

Synopsis
The NIA has charged three suspects linked to ISIS/ISJK for the 2024 Srinagar market blast. The attack caused one fatality and injured twelve. The investigation reveals a broader conspiracy aimed at instilling fear and chaos in the region. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for security measures.
Key Takeaways
- NIA files charges against three individuals linked to ISIS/ISJK.
- The grenade attack resulted in one death and twelve injuries.
- Accused are currently in judicial custody.
- Investigation reveals broader terrorist conspiracy.
- Government emphasizes the importance of civilian safety.
New Delhi, May 3 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially submitted a chargesheet against three individuals associated with the banned ISIS/ISJK terrorist organization, in connection to the 2024 Srinagar market grenade attack that tragically resulted in the death of one woman and left twelve others injured, as confirmed by an official on Saturday.
In the chargesheet presented to the Special Court in Jammu, the counter-terrorism agency has identified Sheikh Usama Yaseen, Umar Fayaz Sheikh, and Afnan Mansoor Naik under applicable provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the Explosive Substances Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Currently, all three are held in judicial custody. Usama and Umar were apprehended on November 7 of the previous year, merely four days post the incident at the crowded Sunday Market situated near the Tourist Reception Centre in Srinagar.
Afnan was taken into custody on November 8 due to his significant involvement in a criminal conspiracy aimed at instigating a war against India through targeted terrorist acts against both security forces and civilians.
The NIA has also revealed potential connections to other terrorist factions in the conspiracy surrounding the attack. Investigations have indicated that the trio collaborated to orchestrate the grenade assault with the intention of instilling fear and chaos in the region.
The agency stated that this attack forms part of a larger scheme to disrupt public order and promote the violent agendas of terrorist groups receiving support from across the border.
Investigations into case (RC-01/2025/NIA/JMU), initiated by the NIA on January 31, 2025, are ongoing as they work to uncover the broader network involved in this assault.
Following the incident, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah labeled the grenade attack as "deeply disturbing," asserting that there can be no rationale for targeting civilians.
"Recent days have been overshadowed by reports of attacks and confrontations in various parts of the valley. The news of a grenade attack targeting innocent shoppers at the ‘Sunday market’ in Srinagar is profoundly troubling. There is no justification for endangering innocent lives. The security forces must exert every effort to put an end to this wave of attacks promptly, allowing the public to live without fear," Abdullah expressed in a statement on X.