Major Breakthrough as Parvaiz and Bashir Ahmad Jothar Charged Under UAPA for Harboring Lashkar-e-Taiba Operatives
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has achieved a significant breakthrough in the devastating Pahalgam terror attack case by arresting two local residents who allegedly provided shelter and logistical support to Pakistani terrorists before the deadly assault. Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, Pahalgam, were apprehended under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for knowingly harboring three armed terrorists affiliated with the banned outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The arrests represent a crucial development in case RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU, exposing the disturbing local support network that enabled foreign jihadis to carry out one of the most heinous terrorist attacks in recent years. The April 22 Pahalgam terror strike resulted in 26 tourists killed and 16 others severely injured, sending shockwaves across the nation and prompting immediate security responses including Operation Sindoor.
Investigation reveals that both accused individuals housed the Pakistani terrorists in a seasonal hut at Hill Park prior to the attack, providing them with food, shelter, and essential logistical support. The NIA’s meticulous probe has established that Parvaiz and Bashir had full knowledge of the terrorists’ identities and their planned activities, making them complicit in the deadly conspiracy that targeted innocent tourists visiting the scenic valley.
During interrogation, the arrested suspects disclosed the identities of the three armed terrorists, confirming their Pakistani nationality and direct affiliation with Lashkar-e-Taiba, one of the most dangerous terrorist organizations operating in the region. This revelation has provided investigators with crucial intelligence about the operational methods and support systems utilized by cross-border terrorists to execute attacks on Indian soil.
The NIA’s swift action demonstrates the agency’s commitment to dismantling terror networks and ensuring that those who facilitate such heinous crimes face the full force of law. Both suspects have been charged under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, with the agency seeking extended custody for thorough interrogation to uncover additional aspects of the terror conspiracy.
NIA Investigation Exposes Deep-Rooted Terror Support Networks in Jammu and Kashmir
The arrests of Parvaiz and Bashir Ahmad Jothar have unveiled the deeply embedded terror support infrastructure that continues to operate within Jammu and Kashmir, facilitating cross-border terrorism and endangering national security. This case highlights the sophisticated network of local collaborators who provide crucial assistance to foreign terrorists, enabling them to blend into local communities and execute their deadly missions.
Never forget that terrorists killed tourists in Pahalgam after confirming their religious identity.
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) June 22, 2025
Today, NIA has arrested 2 local men from J&K for harbouring those terrorists:
1) Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote.
2) Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park.
These two men had… pic.twitter.com/N55kMpPosz
Security experts emphasize that the Pahalgam terror attack case demonstrates the evolving nature of terrorist operations, where local sympathizers play increasingly critical roles in providing logistical support, safe houses, and intelligence to foreign operatives. The seasonal hut used to shelter the terrorists represents just one example of how terror groups exploit local infrastructure and support systems to maintain operational security.
The NIA’s ongoing investigation suggests that more arrests are likely in the coming weeks as investigators work to dismantle the entire support network that facilitated this attack. The agency’s comprehensive approach involves tracking financial transactions, communication networks, and identifying additional individuals who may have provided assistance to the terrorists.
Law enforcement agencies are particularly concerned about the implications of local support for Pakistani terrorists, as it indicates the presence of radicalized elements within communities that were previously considered secure. The Hill Park area, now identified as a terror hideout, will likely face increased security scrutiny and counter-terrorism operations. The successful arrests also demonstrate the effectiveness of enhanced surveillance and intelligence gathering capabilities deployed by security forces in the region. The NIA’s ability to identify and apprehend the accused within months of the attack showcases improved investigative techniques and inter-agency coordination in counter-terrorism operations.
This case serves as a stark reminder that the fight against terrorism requires not only securing borders but also identifying and neutralizing domestic support networks that enable foreign terrorists to operate effectively. The NIA’s continued investigation promises to reveal additional details about terror financing, recruitment methods, and operational strategies employed by banned organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba.
