NIA Arrests Two for Harbouring Pahalgam Attackers; Three LeT Militants Identified

In a major breakthrough on June 22, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar from Pahalgam, Kashmir. The duo reportedly harboured three Pakistani militants belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in a seasonal hut before the April 22 massacre, which claimed 26 civilian lives—25 tourists and one local pony operator—and injured 16 others.

According to the NIA, the arrested individuals provided food, shelter, and logistical support in Hill Park, enabling the terrorists to select Hindu and Christian tourists based on their religious identity.

Under interrogation, the Jothars disclosed the names of the three terrorists, confirming they were Pakistani nationals affiliated with LeT. They have been arrested under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

The Pahalgam attack, the deadliest civilian massacre in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, involved four armed militants who shot and killed travellers at point-blank range in Baisaran Valley, reportedly after confirming their religious identity. The operation rapidly escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.

An NIA official described the arrests as a “major breakthrough”, signalling progress toward dismantling the wider terror network behind the attack. The agency is pursuing further leads and anticipates additional arrests in the coming weeks.

Local residents have welcomed the arrests. One witness, speaking to Times of India, expressed relief and urged authorities to thoroughly investigate any community support for terror operations.

The April 22 attack led to Operation Sindoor, in which India struck terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir on May 7. India claimed nine terrorist camps were destroyed and over 100 militants eliminated. Islamabad responded with cross-border ceasefire violations until a truce on May 10 brought tensions to a temporary halt.

The Pahalgam shooting—which involved terrorists verifying victims’ religion before execution—is linked to The Resistance Front, believed to be a LeT offshoot active since 2022. The NIA’s latest arrests sharpen focus on local support networks, a persistent challenge in counterterrorism efforts.