In a significant breakthrough in the deadly Pahalgam attack case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday (June 22, 2025) arrested two men for harbouring and aiding the three terrorists who killed 26 innocent tourists. The crucial arrests of the Kashmiri locals, identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkore and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, helped in disclosing the three armed terrorists’ identities. Meanwhile, NIA said that the two also confirmed the armed terrorists were Pakistani nationals affiliated with the long-established Islamic Salafist militant group – Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

It has been learnt that Parvaiz and Bashir had intentionally sheltered and aided the armed terrorists at a seasonal dhok (hut) at Hill Park prior to the attack. NIA said that the duo had provided food, shelter, as well as logistical support to them on the fateful afternoon, when they killed the 26 tourists based on their religious identity. Following this, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ to avenge the most gruesome terrorist attacks ever.

The two Kashmiri locals have been arrested under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The National Investigating Agency is further investigating the case RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU, registered after the attack that sent shockwaves across the nation on April 22.