In a significant breakthrough in the horrific April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended two local men for sheltering the militants responsible for the brutal killing of 25 tourists and a local ponywala in Jammu and Kashmir’s scenic Baisaran meadows, often called ‘Mini Switzerland’.
The arrests mark a crucial step in unravelling one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in recent memory, which shook the nation and left scars on the Valley’s tourism hub.
The NIA identified the accused as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote, Pahalgam, and Bashir Ahmad Jothar from Hill Park, Pahalgam. “During interrogation, the duo revealed the identities of the three terrorists involved, confirming they were Pakistani nationals linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT),” an NIA spokesperson disclosed.
The agency’s probe revealed that Parvaiz and Bashir knowingly provided food, shelter, and logistical support to the militants, housing them in a seasonal dhok (hut) at Hill Park before the attack.
“Their actions enabled the terrorists to carry out the heinous assault, selectively targeting tourists based on their religious identity,” the spokesperson added. Both men have been charged under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, with further investigations underway.
The April 22 attack in Pahalgam’s serene meadows turned a picturesque tourist spot into a scene of carnage. Armed militants gunned down 25 tourists from various states and Syed Adil Shah, a courageous local ponywala who tried to wrest a rifle from an attacker to save lives.
Sixteen others were injured in the assault, which sent shockwaves across India and raised urgent questions about security in the region’s tourism-dependent areas.
Security forces suspect four militants were involved, including three Pakistani nationals—Hashim Musa alias Suleiman, Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai, and Asif Fauji—alongside a local militant, Abid Hussain Thoker from Anantnag. A Rs 20 lakh bounty has been announced for information leading to their capture, reflecting the urgency to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The NIA, now leading the investigation, has deployed officials to Pahalgam, with agency chief Sadanand Vasant Date personally visiting the attack site to oversee progress. The probe intensified after the Indian military launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the Pahalgam massacre.