One terrorist identified in Pahalgam terror attack; NIA nabs two locals for sheltering Pakistani militants
PTC Web Desk: Two months after the brutal terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified one of the three terrorists involved. The revelation came following the arrest of two local residents by the NIA on Sunday, who confessed to providing shelter to the militants.
According to NIA officials, one of the attackers has been identified as Suleman Shah, a member of the same terror network that earlier included known Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives like Hashim Musa, Talha Bhai, and Junaid. Notably, Junaid was killed in an encounter last year. The identification of Suleman Shah was made possible through a recovered photograph from Junaid’s mobile phone, which included images of other operatives. Several families of victims from the Pahalgam attack have reportedly confirmed Suleman’s identity from the photo.
The other two terrorists involved in the attack are believed to be Pakistani nationals affiliated with the proscribed terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). However, their identities have not yet been officially disclosed.
The NIA arrested two local residents, Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote, Pahalgam, and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, Pahalgam for allegedly harbouring the three terrorists prior to the attack. During interrogation, the duo admitted to intentionally accommodating the militants at a makeshift shelter—locally known as a dhok—in Hill Park area. The arrested men not only provided lodging but also supplied food and other logistical support to the terrorists.
As per sources, both accused will now be taken into remand custody for further interrogation. It is learnt that the NIA may take the accused to the terrorists’ former hideout in an attempt to retrace their movements and map potential escape routes.
Notaby, the deadly terror attack occurred on April 22 in the Baisaran Valley, located approximately 6 km from Pahalgam town. The terrorists targeted tourists based on their religious identity, resulting in the death of 26 tourists and leaving 16 others critically injured. The attack sent shockwaves across the country and was widely condemned at both national and international levels.
In response to the Pahalgam massacre, India launched a precision airstrike across the Line of Control into Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during the night of May 6–7. Dubbed "Operation Sindoor", the offensive targeted nine terror camps, killing over 100 militants. Among those neutralised were ten family members and four close aides of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar.
India reportedly fired 24 missiles in the operation, in what is being seen as one of the country’s most significant counter-terror strikes in recent years.
- With inputs from agencies
