New Delhi, June 22 — In a major breakthrough in the Pahalgam terror attack investigation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two local men accused of sheltering terrorists responsible for the April 22 massacre that killed 26 tourists and injured 16 others in Jammu and Kashmir.
The arrested individuals, Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar of Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, both from Pahalgam, have revealed the identities of the attackers. According to NIA findings, the three assailants were Pakistani nationals affiliated with the banned terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
NIA stated that the suspects knowingly provided food, shelter, and logistical support to the militants at a seasonal hut (dhok) in Hill Park prior to the attack. The terrorists, investigators said, targeted tourists based on religious identity, making it one of the most brutal terror incidents in recent years.
The arrests were made under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The case, registered as RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU, remains under investigation, with the agency pursuing further leads to dismantle the support network behind the assault.
Following the horrific incident in Baisaran Valley, the Indian government launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Simultaneously, Indian security forces intensified crackdowns on terror sympathizers to disrupt infrastructure aiding militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
