NIA Arrests Two Locals in Major Breakthrough in Pahalgam Terror Attack Case

In a significant development in the investigation into the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two individuals accused of harboring terrorists who carried out the deadly assault. The attack, which shook the nation, resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians and injuries to several others, primarily targeting Hindu tourists in Jammu and Kashmir.

The April 22 attack claimed the lives of 26 people.(REUTERS File) | Hindustan Times

Arrests in the Pahalgam Attack Case

The NIA arrested Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar, a resident of Batkote, and Bashir Ahmad Jothar, hailing from Hill Park in Pahalgam. Both individuals are accused of providing logistical and material support to the terrorists involved in the April 22 carnage. Authorities believe the duo had offered shelter, food, and safe passage to the Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives who planned and executed the attack.

According to NIA officials, the accused were aware of the identity and intentions of the terrorists. They allegedly allowed them to use their seasonal “dhok” or hut located in the Hill Park area of Pahalgam to rest and stock up on supplies before launching the ambush. These arrests mark the first concrete success in dismantling the local support structure that enabled the assault.

Details of the Attack and the Militants Involved

The attack occurred in the scenic Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, where five heavily armed terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists. The victims were largely non-Muslim visitors, including families from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. Armed with sophisticated weapons, including AK-47s and M4 carbines, the terrorists created chaos, targeting civilians in what investigators have described as a religiously motivated assault.

Subsequent investigations have identified the perpetrators as Pakistani nationals affiliated with the LeT, a proscribed terror outfit supported by elements across the border. Alongside the foreign militants was a local guide, Adil Hussain Thokker, who is believed to have assisted the attackers with ground knowledge and navigation.

National Crackdown and Wider Probe

Following the attack, the NIA launched a massive manhunt and intelligence-gathering operation. Over 2,000 individuals, including pony operators and local service providers, were questioned. More than 100 homes were searched in south Kashmir alone, with the agency focusing on breaking the web of overground workers (OGWs) who serve as logistical enablers for terror outfits.

Raids were conducted across 32 different locations in Kashmir, and several digital devices, documents, and SIM cards were seized. Officials confirmed that the Pakistani handlers of the Pahalgam terrorists had coordinated the attack from across the border using encrypted communication channels. The NIA has also filed cases under multiple sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including Section 19 which deals with harboring terrorists.

Heroism Amid Horror

While the attack highlighted the vulnerability of civilians in the region, it also brought stories of incredible bravery. One such example was 28-year-old Nazakat Ahmad Ali Shah, a local guide who risked his life to rescue eleven tourists under heavy gunfire. Shah’s courageous actions helped save lives during a moment of panic and chaos. He has since been recommended for a national bravery award by the Jammu and Kashmir administration.

Tensions and Retaliation: India’s Response

The brutal nature of the Pahalgam attack and its religious undertone led to widespread outrage across the country. Public protests erupted in multiple cities demanding accountability and a strong retaliatory response. The Indian government responded with a calibrated military operation known as “Operation Sindoor,” targeting terror camps and infrastructure across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7.

India’s foreign ministry also intensified diplomatic pressure on Islamabad, presenting evidence of Pakistani involvement in the attack at international forums. Meanwhile, a reward of ₹20 lakh has been announced for information leading to the identification and arrest of any remaining perpetrators or accomplices.

Conclusion

The arrest of Parvaiz and Bashir Ahmad Jothar represents a crucial step forward in the NIA’s investigation into one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent years. While justice is still unfolding, the development underscores the continuing challenge of cross-border terrorism and the critical role of local enablers in sustaining such violence. The case also highlights the need for vigilance, intelligence coordination, and community engagement in counterterrorism efforts. As the probe expands, the focus remains on identifying every link in the chain that allowed this act of terror to occur—and ensuring such tragedies are prevented in the future.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, LiveMint, Firstpost)