The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has revealed that the three terrorists responsible for the April 22, 2025, attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, are Pakistani nationals affiliated with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist organization. The attack, one of the deadliest in recent memory, targeted tourists in Baisaran Valley, known as ‘Mini Switzerland,’ in a brutal act of violence that shocked India.

In a significant breakthrough, the NIA arrested two local men, Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote, Pahalgam, and Bashir Ahmad Jothar from Hill Park, Pahalgam, for providing shelter and logistical support to the terrorists. According to the NIA, the duo knowingly harbored the three Pakistani terrorists in a seasonal hut at Hill Park before the assault. The accused provided food, shelter, and other assistance to the terrorists, who selectively killed tourists based on their religious identity, intensifying the attack’s brutality.

The NIA statement detailed that Parvaiz and Bashir disclosed the identities of the Pakistani terrorists and confirmed their LeT affiliation. Both men have been charged under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for harboring terrorists, with further investigations ongoing to uncover additional details.

The Pahalgam attack saw 25 tourists and a Kashmiri pony ride operator gunned down in cold blood. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers inquired about the victims’ religion before shooting them at close range, fueling nationwide outrage. The assault prompted India to launch Operation Sindoor two weeks later, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. India clarified that the operation focused solely on terror bases, but Pakistan retaliated with missile and drone strikes along India’s western border. While India’s air defenses neutralized most projectiles, heavy shelling along the border and Line of Control resulted in casualties.

In response, India conducted precision strikes on key Pakistani military installations, including air bases, compelling Islamabad to seek a ceasefire. New Delhi has since issued a stern warning that any future attacks will provoke a decisive and overwhelming response.