In a big breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two Islamists residents of Kashmir for allegedly providing shelter and logistical support to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist who carried out the barbaric April 22, 2025, terror attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, killing 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and one local resident.
The arrested accused, Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar of Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, reportedly hosted the three Pakistani terrorists in a seasonal dhok (hill tut) days before the strike, offering them food, cover and local support.
The NIA officially confirmed the arrest via its verified X (formerly Twitter) account:
NIA Arrests 2 for Harbouring Pak Terrorists in Pahalgam Terror Attack Case, Gets Identities of the LeT Attackers pic.twitter.com/Pf9OrCE3KZ
— NIA India (@NIA_India) June 22, 2025
An accompanying NIA statement revealed that both accused not only confessed to their involvement but also disclosed the identities of the attackers, confirmed to be Pakistani nationals associated with the banner terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
April 22 Terror Attack: A Brutal, Pre-Meditated Religious Cleansing
The terror strike in Baisaran Valley was not just an act of random violence – it was a deliberately orchestrated act of religious targeting. On that day, four heavily armed LeT militants descented upon the scenic valley filled with tourists.
Eyewitnesses and preliminary investigations confirm that the tourists demanded identity proofs or names, selectively singling out Hindu tourists. After verifying their religion, the attackers shot them at point-blank range, executing them in cold blood while sparing others. Survivors recounted chilling moments of pleading, confusion and screams – memories that have left an indelible mark on the collective conscience of the nation.
According to NIA, this religious profiting and execution-style killing were part of a larger agenda to instill fear, trigger communal unrest and send a message across India. 16 more tourists were grievously injured in what is now being described as one of the deadliest hate-fueled terror attacks in recent years.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Swift Military Response
India’s response was swift and forceful. On May 7, 2025, under Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed Forces launched precision airstrikes on terror camps across Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and deep into Pakistan’s Punjab Province. These strikes reportedly eliminated over 100 terrorists, destroyed nine major Lashkar launchpads and damaged critical infrastructure including the Noor Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi.
The arrests of Parvaiz and Bashir have uncovered the disturbing local support system for foreign jihadis, further exposing the deeply embedded terror networks operating within Jammu and Kashmir. NIA’s probe in case RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU continues, with more arrests likely in the coming weeks.
This case not only highlights the ongoing threat of Islamic terror outfits like Lashmkar-e-Taiba, but also the urgent need of vigilance against internal collaborators whose actions enable such atrocities against innocent civilians.
Nation Reacts: Citizens Applaud NIA’s Breakthrough
News of the arrest by the NIA has sparked a wave of public relief and patriotic pride across the country. Citizens took to social media to express their gratitude towards the investigation team, applauding their tireless work in bringing local collaborators of terrorism to justice.
One user wrote, “Finally! NIA has arrested the monsters who helped the LeT behind the Pahalgam horror. Justice begins here. Jai Hind”
Kudos to NIA for getting, arguably the first substantial lead in the #PahalgamTerroristAttack!
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾May the statement by the two, (or only the feasible portions of it) are made public soon.
🙏🏾✨️— Sam ଦାସ (@SamDasTweets) June 22, 2025
One of the user echoed the national sentiment:
“This is why a strong country-terror force like the NIA is crucial. The killers were not just across the border – they had roots here. Well done NIA for exposing this nexus.”
NIA rocks! Always up for our protection and safety.
May God bless you, and let you all be gentle in your mental health for day and night works that you do without sleep.
Really, it's very tough. I hope you all stay happy and healthy.
Best wishes, team.
— Sayak Banerjee (@SakBanerjee22) June 22, 2025
Another user noted the urgency of continued vigilance
“These arrests show how deep the rot is. Locals giving shelter to Pakistan-backed terrorists? Unthinkable! Kudos to NIA for acting fast and hitting hard.”
Across platforms, users have demanded maximum punishment for the accused, speedy prosecution, and expanded counter-terror operations to ensure no such attack ever occurs again. The collective outrage, mixed with respect for India’s intelligence and military agencies, has turned the tide into a national call for security, justice, and zero tolerance for terror.
