The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made a significant breakthrough in the Pahalgam terror attack case, arresting two individuals for allegedly harboring the terrorists involved in the deadly assault that claimed 26 lives on April 22, 2025. The NIA's investigation has also confirmed the involvement of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terrorist organization, in the attack.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar from Hill Park, both residents of Pahalgam. According to the NIA, the duo provided shelter, food, and logistical support to the three armed terrorists who carried out the attack. The NIA statement revealed that the accused harbored the Pakistani attackers in a seasonal hut (dhok) in the Hill Park area before the assault.

During questioning, Parvaiz and Bashir disclosed the identities of the attackers and confirmed that they were Pakistani nationals affiliated with LeT. The investigation revealed that the terrorists deliberately targeted tourists in Baisaran Valley based on their religious identity, making the incident one of the most horrific terror strikes in the region in recent years.

The arrest of Parvaiz and Bashir comes as part of the NIA's ongoing probe into the case, officially registered as RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU. The two accused have been booked under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.

The Pahalgam terror attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, involved five militants who entered the Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist spot approximately 7 kilometers from Pahalgam town. The attackers, armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s, targeted tourists, resulting in the death of 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and one local pony operator. The victims included both Hindu and Christian tourists, as well as a local Muslim.

The attack drew widespread condemnation and led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. India accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, while Pakistan denied the charges.

The NIA's investigation is ongoing, with the agency pursuing leads to dismantle the terror network responsible for the attack and ensure justice for the victims and their families. The agency has appealed to the public for any information, photographs, or videos related to the attack.

The arrest of the two individuals for harboring the terrorists marks a significant step forward in the investigation and underscores the NIA's commitment to bringing the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack to justice.