By The Sampadak Express
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two residents of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, for allegedly providing shelter and support to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists involved in the deadly April 22 attack that left 26 people dead and 16 injured.
The accused have been identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar of Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park. According to an NIA spokesperson, the two men not only sheltered the terrorists at a seasonal dhok (hut) in Hill Park prior to the attack, but also provided them with food, shelter, and logistical assistance.
During interrogation, both suspects reportedly revealed the identities of the three armed assailants, confirming that they were Pakistani nationals affiliated with the banned terrorist group LeT. The spokesperson said the terrorists had “selectively killed tourists based on their religious identity,” calling it “one of the most gruesome attacks in recent memory.”
The NIA has charged the two under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, which pertains to harbouring terrorists. Officials said the investigation is ongoing and further arrests and disclosures are expected.
In retaliation to the Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This was followed by three days of military confrontation between the two nations.
Earlier this month, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global watchdog on terror financing, strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack, stating that such operations cannot be carried out “without money and the means to move funds between terrorist supporters.”
The NIA continues to lead the investigation into what is being described as a highly coordinated and premeditated terror strike that has drawn international condemnation.
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