The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has concluded its investigation into the terror attack that occurred on April 22 in Pahalgam, affirming that all three assailants were Pakistani nationals associated with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba. This finding comes in the wake of the apprehension of two local residents who are accused of providing the terrorists with food, shelter, and other logistical support.
Officials disclosed that prior to the attack, the terrorists had sought refuge at the residences of Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar in Pahalgam. They arrived at these homes on the evening of April 20, requesting food and compensation for their stay, while cautioning their hosts against informing anyone of their presence. Following this revelation, the NIA has taken action against the two locals, arresting them under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
This latest development contradicts earlier reports from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, which indicated the involvement of three suspects — two of whom were identified as Pakistani nationals and one believed to be a local. The NIA now asserts that the individuals depicted in the police-released sketches were incorrectly identified and had no connection to the attack.
One of the attackers is suspected to be Suleiman Shah, who is previously linked to the killing of seven tunnel construction workers in October 2024. His involvement has also been noted in other significant incidents, including assaults on Army personnel in regions such as Kulgam and Jammu’s Poonch district.
To advance their investigation, authorities have questioned over 200 individuals, including local pony operators, shopkeepers, and photographers. Eyewitness testimonies further support the identification of the attackers, bolstered by previously unreleased photographs located on the mobile phone of a deceased militant.
The NIA is currently cross-referencing ballistic evidence from earlier incidents to reinforce the case against the three suspects. The agency has emphasized that its findings validate the connections between cross-border terrorism in Kashmir and highlight Pakistan’s ongoing strategy of utilizing non-state actors to destabilize the region.
