The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has said they arrested two men for harbouring the attackers responsible for the attack on tourists in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley on April 22, which left 26 civilians dead and 16 grievously injured.
In a statement, the NIA identified the arrested men as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar of Batkote, Pahalgam and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, Pahalgam. According to investigators, both men provided shelter, food, and logistical support to the three gunmen days before the attack.
The arrested men reportedly confirmed that the attackers were Pakistani nationals affiliated with the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The trio had stayed in a seasonal hut (dhok) in Hill Park, hosted by the accused.
“The tourists were selectively targeted based on their religious identity,” the NIA said, calling it “one of the most gruesome terrorist attacks ever.”
The two have been booked under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and further investigations are underway in case RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU.
Following the attack, which shocked the nation and drew international condemnation, India launched Operation Sindoor, a military strike aimed at “destroying terror camps in Pakistan”.
