In a significant development in the investigation of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two local men for allegedly providing shelter and support to the terrorists who carried out the gruesome attack.
The attack claimed the lives of 26 tourists and left 16 others grievously injured. It took place at Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam region.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar, a resident of Batkote in Pahalgam, and Bashir Ahmad Jothar, from Hill Park, also in Pahalgam. According to the NIA, both men knowingly harboured the three terrorists responsible for the attack.
The agency’s investigation has revealed that the terrorists stayed at a seasonal hut or “dhok”, located in Hill Park, where Parvaiz and Bashir provided them with food, shelter, and logistical support prior to the attack.
During interrogation, the two arrested individuals disclosed the identities of the attackers. They confirmed that all three were Pakistani nationals and affiliated with the proscribed terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The NIA further said that the terrorists had specifically targeted the victims based on their religious identity. According to media reports, eyewitnesses and survivor accounts had earlier indicated that the attackers asked the tourists about their religion before shooting them, making it one of the most gruesome and targeted acts of terrorism in recent years.
Parvaiz and Bashir have been booked under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
Further investigation into the matter is still ongoing.
The NIA formally took over the probe into the attack on April 27 following directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs. NIA teams led by senior officers, including an IG, DIG, and SP, had camped and intensified their search for evidence.
Entry and exit routes were closely examined to understand the modus operandi of the terrorists.
The agency was assisted by forensic and other experts and thoroughly searched and examined the valley for evidence to expose the broader terror conspiracy.
The agency had earlier appealed to tourists and locals to share if they had any information, including photos and videos pertaining to the attack.
