June 22: In a decisive move to unravel the network behind the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two local residents from the Anantnag district for allegedly providing critical support to the foreign militants involved. The individuals—Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar of Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park—have been accused of sheltering and aiding three Pakistan-based terrorists belonging to the proscribed outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, sent shockwaves across the country when three heavily armed militants opened fire in Pahalgam, resulting in the deaths of 26 civilians and injuries to over a dozen others. According to NIA sources, the two arrested locals offered refuge, food, and other logistical assistance to the militants in a seasonal hut located in the remote Hill Park Dhok area. Forensic and digital evidence collected from the hideout, along with confessions during interrogation, established the direct involvement of the suspects in facilitating the attack.
The NIA has charged the duo under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, as the case continues to evolve under FIR number RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU. Investigators have identified the attackers as foreign nationals, all affiliated with the Pakistan-backed LeT, which has a long history of orchestrating cross-border terrorism in the region.
This breakthrough comes on the heels of a broader investigation where the NIA, in coordination with local law enforcement, conducted massive search operations across multiple districts including Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, and Kupwara. More than 2,000 individuals, including eyewitnesses and suspected overground workers, were questioned as part of the crackdown on terror support systems.
Officials confirm that these arrests have provided significant insights into the pre-attack planning, hideout logistics, and the movement of arms and ammunition. The NIA is now working to track down the remaining members of the module and any local sympathizers still at large.
With heightened security in the Valley ahead of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, agencies remain on high alert. The Ministry of Home Affairs has lauded the NIA’s swift action, underscoring India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and reaffirming commitment to protecting civilian lives.
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