Pahalgam Attack: Kashmiri Locals Held for Supporting Pakistani Terrorists

In a major development related to the Pahalgam terror attack, the NIA has arrested two Kashmiri locals, Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar, for assisting the Pakistani terrorists involved in the killing of 26 tourists. The arrests, announced on June 22, 2025, have shed light on the identities of the three armed terrorists. The NIA revealed that the terrorists were Pakistani nationals associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The investigation indicates that Parvaiz and Bashir provided shelter, food, and other support to the terrorists at a temporary hut in Hill Park prior to the attack. The terrorists targeted the tourists based on their religious identity. The suspects have been charged under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, as the NIA continues to investigate the case, registered as RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU, which occurred on April 22.