Jammu: In a major breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) detained two individuals for harbouring the terrorists responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam incident, which killed 26 tourists and seriously injured 16 more.
The two individuals were identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar of Batkote, Pahalgam, and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, Pahalgam, according to a news release issued on Sunday by the NIA.
The two men have disclosed the identities of the three armed terrorists involved in the attack, and have also confirmed that they were Pakistani nationals affiliated with the proscribed terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Parvaiz and Bashir had knowingly harboured the three armed terrorists at a seasonal dhok (hut) at Hill Park before the attack, as per NIA investigations.
“The two men had provided food, shelter and logistical support to the terrorists, who had, on the fateful afternoon, selectively killed the tourists on the basis of their religious identity, making it one of the most gruesome terrorist attacks ever," said the release.
NIA, which has arrested the duo under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, is further investigating the case RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU, registered after the attack that shook the world on April 22.
Further investigations in the case are continuing, said the NIA.
It must be mentioned that on April 22, Pakistan-backed LeT terrorists killed 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local pony owner, who had tried to stop the terrorists from spilling innocent blood. Among the 25 tourists was a Nepalese national.
The attack outraged the entire country, after which Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a free hand to the armed forces to avenge it.
India carried out target-specific strikes against terror infrastructure in nine places in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including Muridke near Lahore, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad.
Pakistan retaliated by targeting civilian facilities in Poonch, Rajouri, Kupwara, Bandipora and Baramulla districts of J&K and sending a barrage of drones on the western border. Following this, Indian forces carried out precision attacks on 11 air bases in Pakistan.
With inputs from IANS