• Source:JND
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Pahalgam Attack: In a significant breakthrough in the Pahalgam terror attack case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two men for helping Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists involved in the deadly attack that killed 26 people, including a pony ride operator and injured 16 others in Baisaran Valley .

The arrested individuals have been identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar from Hill Park, both residents of Pahalgam. According to the NIA, they provided shelter, food and other logistical help to the terrorists before the attack.

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Investigations revealed that the duo had knowingly harboured three armed terrorists, all Pakistani nationals associated with the banned LeT group. The support was given at a seasonal hut (dhok) in the Hill Park area prior to the incident. NIA officials stated that the two men disclosed the identities of the attackers during questioning.

Parvaiz and Bashir have been booked under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for harbouring terrorists. The investigation into the wider network is ongoing, with more leads being followed.

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According to a Hindustan Times report, the arrests came after an extensive probe involving over 2,000 interrogations. Local eyewitnesses, including ponywalas and other residents, were questioned by the NIA. Some individuals were also detained under the Public Safety Act. Alongside the NIA, Jammu and Kashmir police conducted raids at over 100 locations connected to suspected terror aides.

Earlier this month, the NIA had also carried out searches at 32 premises across Kashmir, including Shopian, Kulgam, Pulwama, Kupwara and Sopore. These locations were linked to overground workers believed to have ties with Pakistan-based terror outfits. While not directly linked to the Pahalgam attack, the raids were part of a larger crackdown on banned terror groups and their associates.

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