Srinagar: In a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested two individuals accused of providing shelter to the terrorists responsible for the deadly ambush. The arrests have helped security forces identify three of the militants directly involved in the attack, India Today reported.
The ambush, which occurred in the Pahalgam area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, targeted a bus carrying pilgrims, leading to multiple casualties and injuries. The cowardly assault sparked widespread outrage and triggered a massive manhunt for the perpetrators.
The two men have been identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar, who also disclosed the names of three of the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack, the India Today reported.
“We have arrested two people and they have revealed that three Pakistani Lashkar terrorists were involved in Baisaran. These three are not the same whose sketches were released,” a NIA official told News 18.
“These men not only gave shelter but also assisted in the recce of the area. During interrogation, they helped identify at least three terrorists who carried out the attack,” officials told India Today.
As per the investigation, Parvaiz and Bashir had knowingly harboured the three-armed terrorists at a seasonal dhok (hut) at Hill Park before the attack, the agency added.
“The two men had provided food, shelter and logistical support to the terrorists, who had, on the fateful afternoon, selectively killed the tourists on the basis of their religious identity, making it one of the most gruesome terrorist attacks ever,” a NIA statement read.
Security forces are now intensifying their operations in south Kashmir to track down the identified terrorists and dismantle the network that enabled the attack. Sources indicated that more arrests and recoveries of arms and ammunition are likely as the investigation progresses.
