"Two Pahalgam Locals Arrested for Aiding Pakistani Terrorists in Deadly April 22 Attack"

 "Two Pahalgam Locals Arrested for Aiding Pakistani Terrorists in Deadly April 22 Attack"

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two residents of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly helping the terrorists behind the brutal April 22 attack.

The arrested men — Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar from Hill Park — are accused of giving shelter, food, and logistical support to three Pakistani terrorists from the banned group Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). According to the NIA, the two locals allowed the terrorists to stay in a seasonal hut (locally called a dhok) in Hill Park before the attack.

The April 22 attack left 26 people dead and 16 injured, as the gunmen reportedly targeted tourists based on their religious identity. The NIA described it as one of the most horrific terrorist acts in recent memory.

Following the massacre, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, striking terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. That operation led to a tense three-day military standoff between the two countries.

The NIA has charged the two men under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Investigations are still ongoing as authorities work to uncover more details behind the attack that sent shockwaves around the world.