The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday arrested two Kashmiri men in connection with the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including 25 tourists. The attack was carried out by three Pakistani terrorists affiliated with the proscribed group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), according to official sources.
The accused, identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar of Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, Pahalgam, were taken into custody for allegedly harbouring the terrorists before the attack. Investigators said the duo provided shelter, food, and logistical support at a seasonal hut (‘dhok’) located in Hill Park.
Interrogation of the arrested individuals led to the identification of the attackers, confirming their Pakistani nationality and their affiliation with LeT. The attack, which sent shockwaves across the country, is believed to have been orchestrated by handlers operating from Pakistan.
Following the incident, India had launched retaliatory strikes targeting terror infrastructure and military assets across the border.
The two accused, who reportedly have no prior criminal records, have been booked under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. They will be produced before an NIA special court in Jammu. Officials said further custodial interrogation is expected to provide key details about the wider conspiracy and its cross-border linkages.
The Pahalgam attack remains one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in recent times in the Kashmir Valley.
