New Delhi, June 22: In a major breakthrough in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 dead and 16 injured, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two local men accused of harbouring the Pakistani terrorists who carried out the assault.
The arrested individuals — Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar of Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, both residents of Pahalgam — allegedly provided shelter, food, and logistical support to the attackers prior to the carnage. According to the NIA, the men knowingly hosted the three armed terrorists in a seasonal dhok (hut) at Hill Park in the days leading up to the incident.
NIA investigators said the detained men have confirmed that the perpetrators were Pakistani nationals affiliated with the proscribed terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). They also helped establish the identities of the trio responsible for one of the region’s deadliest recent terror attacks.
“The three terrorists selectively killed tourists based on their religious identity,” an NIA officer said, adding that the nature of the attack — both targeted and brutal — makes it one of the most gruesome in recent years.
The arrests were made under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, which pertains to individuals who knowingly harbour terrorists. The case, initially registered shortly after the April 22 attack, continues to be under active investigation by the NIA.
Although the Jammu and Kashmir Police had released sketches of three suspects a day after the incident, the precise number of terrorists involved has remained uncertain. Officials say the fresh arrests are likely to shed light on the full scope of the conspiracy.
“The arrest of these two individuals is a significant lead,” an official involved in the probe said. “It could help us uncover the actual number of militants who participated in the attack.”
The Pahalgam massacre, which shook the nation and drew international condemnation, has since been a top priority for counterterror agencies. The involvement of Pakistani nationals and the LeT is expected to raise further diplomatic and security concerns as the investigation unfolds.
