Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) uses messaging app like 'TextNow' to keep in touch with its operatives in India, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has revealed.

The terror group also used this messaging app to carry out the Pulwama attack in February last year, NIA sources told Zee media on Wednesday.

Sources said the idea to use the messaging app is the brainchild of Abdul Rauf, the new commander of the outfit and the younger brother of JeM chief Maulana Masood.

The messaging platform was used to recruit terrorists as well as execute planned attacks in many places even before the Pulwama attack.

The chat between the terrorists points to the fact that the suicide bomber attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama last year was planned in Pakistan. The transcript of the chat has been seen by Zee Media.

At least 40 jawans of paramilitary force - Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) - were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14 last year after a JeM suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into their bus.

TextNow is a free calling and messaging service, available on both Android and iOS platforms. It is also available through browser on www.textnow.com. TextNow uses a device's existing internet connection to text and call numbers.