Srinagar: In a breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two men for harbouring the terrorists who had carried out the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead, the agency said on Sunday.
According to the NIA, the two men — Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park in Pahalgam — have disclosed the identities of the three armed terrorists involved in the attack.
They have also confirmed that the assailants were Pakistani nationals affiliated to the proscribed terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
As per the NIA investigation, both Parvaiz and Bashir had knowingly harboured the three armed terrorists at a seasonal dhok (hut) at Hill Park before the attack. “The two men had provided food, shelter, and logistical support to the terrorists, who had, on April 22, selectively killed the tourists based on their religious identity, making it one of the most gruesome terrorist attacks ever. Both Parvaiz and Bashir have been arrested under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Further investigation in the case is going on,” the NIA spokesperson added.
On April 22, militants attacked tourists at Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadows, which are also known as mini Switzerland. 25 tourists belonging to different states and a local pony wala, Syed Adil Shah, who attempted to save tourists by snatching the rifle of one of the attackers, were killed in the terror attack. 16 people were also injured in the attack.
The security forces suspect the involvement of four militants, including three Pakistanis: Hashim Musa alias Suleiman, Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai, Asif Fauji, and a local militant, Abid Hussain Thoker, a resident of Anantnag in the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
Police have announced a bounty of Rs 20 lakh on the head of militants.
The NIA has taken over the investigation of the case, and NIA officials are camping in Pahalgam for investigations. The NIA chief, Sadanand Vasant Dat,e has also visited the attack site to review the pace of investigations.
On May 7, the Indian military launched Operation Sindoor to target and destroy terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK to avenge the Pahalgam attack.
