The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22, 2025. The agency has confirmed that the three terrorists responsible for the heinous act were Pakistani nationals affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The NIA's findings are based on the statements of two local residents, Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote, Pahalgam, and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, Pahalgam, who have been arrested for harboring the terrorists. These individuals admitted to providing food, shelter, and logistical support to the three LeT operatives in a seasonal hut (dhok) in Hill Park prior to the attack. They have been arrested under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

The Pahalgam attack, which took place in the scenic Baisaran Valley, also known as "Mini Switzerland," resulted in the deaths of 25 tourists and a local pony owner. The terrorists selectively targeted victims based on their religious identity, marking it as one of the most gruesome and communal terror attacks in recent memory. The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of LeT, had previously claimed responsibility for the attack.

Following the attack, the NIA launched a wide-ranging investigation, questioning over 2,000 people, including ponywalas and other local eyewitnesses. The agency also conducted coordinated raids at 32 locations across Kashmir, including Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, Sopore, and Kupwara districts. These efforts led to the arrest of Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar, who provided crucial information about the identity and nationality of the terrorists.

The NIA's investigation revealed that Parvaiz and Bashir knowingly harbored the three armed terrorists before the attack, providing them with food, shelter, and logistical assistance. The agency has stated that the two men provided food, shelter and logistical support to the terrorists, who had, on the fateful afternoon, selectively killed the tourists on the basis of their religious identity, making it one of the most gruesome terrorist attacks ever.

The confirmation that the Pahalgam attack was carried out by Pakistani nationals belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba underscores the persistent threat of cross-border terrorism in the region. The involvement of local residents in providing support to the terrorists also highlights the challenges faced by security agencies in combating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The NIA is continuing its investigation into the case.