The Pahalgam attack, a horrific event that took place on April 22, 2025, sent shockwaves across India and reignited tensions with Pakistan. In this tragedy, 26 civilians, mainly tourists, lost their lives in a terror attack near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Recent investigations have revealed a disturbing aspect of the attack: the involvement of local residents who aided the Pakistani attackers for a paltry sum.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) made a significant breakthrough in the case with the arrest of two local men, Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar. These individuals are accused of harboring the terrorists in a seasonal hut (dhok) in Hill Park, approximately 2 kilometers from Baisaran, before they launched their deadly assault. The NIA investigations revealed that Parvaiz and Bashir provided the terrorists with food, shelter, and logistical support. They also tipped them off on the deployment of security personnel in and around the Baisaran area.
According to the NIA, the arrested individuals have confessed that the three armed terrorists involved in the attack were Pakistani nationals affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a banned terrorist organization. This confirmation is a crucial development, reinforcing India's long-held suspicion of Pakistan's involvement in cross-border terrorism.
The lure of a few thousand rupees appears to have motivated Parvaiz and Bashir to betray their community and country. They not only provided shelter but also actively assisted the terrorists by gathering intelligence on security arrangements. This information was crucial in planning the attack and facilitating the terrorists' escape.
The involvement of local overground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorists is a recurring challenge in the region. These individuals provide logistical support, shelter, and information, making it difficult for security forces to combat terrorism effectively. In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, investigations revealed a network of fifteen local Kashmiri OGWs suspected of assisting the Pakistani assailants. These OGWs are believed to have provided logistical support and possibly received arms shipments from Pakistan.
The Pahalgam attack was one of the deadliest in the region since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The terrorists specifically targeted Hindu tourists, though a Christian tourist and a local Muslim were also among the deceased. The attack led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with India accusing Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and closed borders in response. Pakistan retaliated by suspending the Simla Agreement, restricting trade, and closing airspace. The situation escalated into a military conflict when India launched airstrikes targeting alleged terror camps in Pakistan.
The NIA is continuing its investigation into the Pahalgam attack, gathering evidence and analyzing the roles of various individuals involved. The agency is also working to identify and apprehend the remaining terrorists responsible for the attack. The investigation has involved questioning over 200 people, including pony operators, shopkeepers, and photographers.
The Pahalgam attack serves as a grim reminder of the challenges of terrorism and the importance of local cooperation in combating it. The involvement of local residents, motivated by greed or ideology, can have devastating consequences. The incident underscores the need for enhanced security measures, intelligence gathering, and community engagement to prevent future attacks.
