The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made a crucial breakthrough in the Pahalgam terror attack case by arresting two individuals accused of harboring the armed terrorists who carried out the mass killing of 26 tourists in Jammu & Kashmir on April 22, 2025.

The suspects, identified as Parvez Ahmad Jothar of Batkot and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, are residents of Pahalgam and are accused of providing logistical support to Pakistani militants linked with banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

 Background: One of the Deadliest Attacks on Civilians in Kashmir in Recent Years

The Pahalgam terror attack, which occurred on April 22 this year, shocked the nation and international observers alike. Three heavily armed terrorists reportedly stopped vehicles carrying tourists, asked their religious identities, and proceeded to shoot 26 innocent civilians, leaving 16 others critically injured.

Soon after the carnage, The Resistance Front (TRF) — an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operating under a different name to avoid global scrutiny — claimed responsibility for the brutal act. Security agencies have since been intensifying efforts to track down everyone involved, not just the gunmen, but also their local facilitators.

 NIA Arrests Two Local Aides Who Sheltered the Terrorists

In a statement issued on Sunday, the NIA confirmed the arrest of two Kashmir-based individuals — Parvez Ahmad and Bashir Ahmad — for their role in providing safe shelter and resources to the attackers ahead of the massacre.

According to officials, the suspects allowed the terrorists to stay at a remote hut (locally known as “Dhok”) in Hill Park, provided them with food, and assisted with transport arrangements.

“Preliminary investigation confirms that both Parvez and Bashir knowingly gave shelter and logistical support to three heavily armed terrorists involved in the attack. The accused are directly linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba network,” the NIA said in its press release.

Both men have been booked under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, which deals with aiding or abetting terrorist activity.

Attackers Confirmed to Be Pakistani Nationals Linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba

The NIA’s findings also confirm that the terrorists behind the Pahalgam killings were Pakistani nationals affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, a UN-designated terrorist organization headquartered in Pakistan.

These militants reportedly entered India through infiltration routes in Poonch and had been coordinating with local sympathizers for safe passage and supplies.

CCTV Footage, Sketches and Code Names Released by Authorities

In the weeks following the attack, security agencies released sketches and aliases of three suspects believed to be the executioners of the April 22 massacre:

• Asif Fauji (code name: Asif)

• Suleman Shah (code name: Yunus)

• Abu Talha (code name: Musa)

The trio is suspected to have been involved in multiple terror incidents in Poonch and South Kashmir and are currently on the run. Their facial composites were shared publicly to aid in their identification.

Investigators also suspect that these individuals were involved in previous targeted killings and ambushes in the region, indicating a wider network that stretches beyond a single incident.

Local Support: A Crucial Link in the Terror Ecosystem

According to intelligence experts, the success of such attacks often hinges on the availability of local logistical support. In this case, the accused Parvez and Bashir allegedly offered more than just shelter — they facilitated planning meetings, reconnaissance, and post-attack escape routes.

“Without support from sympathizers, foreign terrorists cannot survive in Indian territory for long. Identifying and dismantling these support structures is a top priority,” an NIA official stated.

The arrest of Parvez and Bashir is considered a major blow to the underground network of LeT’s local cells, and further arrests are expected as the probe continues.

 UAPA Charges and What They Mean

The accused have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (Section 19), which empowers Indian agencies to:

• Detain individuals providing assistance to terrorist groups

• Seize assets used in terror operations

• Freeze bank accounts and communication devices

• Conduct raids without prior notice

Legal experts suggest that the conviction under UAPA can lead to imprisonment ranging from 5 years to life, depending on the level of involvement.

TRF: Lashkar’s Shadow Group Operating in Kashmir

The Resistance Front (TRF), which claimed responsibility for the attack, is widely considered a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba, created to evade international pressure and terror blacklists.

The group has been active in South Kashmir since 2020, carrying out targeted attacks on civilians, non-local workers, and security forces. TRF’s propaganda is largely digital, using encrypted channels and social media to spread its messages.

By using new identities and code names, terrorist organizations like LeT have tried to reinvent their branding, but the core ideology and operational leadership remain the same.

 International Condemnation and Diplomatic Pressure

The Pahalgam terror attack drew strong condemnation from global human rights organizations, and several countries, including the US, France, and the UK, called for strict action against Pakistan-based terror outfits.

India is expected to raise this issue again at UN forums and bilateral meetings, particularly emphasizing Pakistan’s failure to curb terror financing and cross-border infiltration.

 Investigation Ongoing: More Arrests Likely

The NIA has indicated that the probe is far from over. More arrests are expected in the coming weeks as agencies analyze digital evidence, call records, and travel logs.

“This is a web of terror that includes handlers across the border, on-ground executioners, and local facilitators. We are working to dismantle the entire ecosystem,” an NIA spokesperson added.

Security forces in South Kashmir have also intensified combing operations in the region to track down the remaining militants.

The arrest of two men for allegedly aiding foreign terrorists in the Pahalgam attack brings a step closer to justice for the 26 innocent lives lost. It also serves as a stern warning to local sympathizers who think they can shelter terrorists without consequences.

The Pahalgam incident highlights the evolving nature of terrorism in Kashmir, where non-combatants are now being targeted with surgical precision and support from locals plays a pivotal role.

As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on dismantling not just the visible threats, but the shadows that allow them to survive.