In a major development reinforcing India’s longstanding concerns over cross-border terrorism, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), India’s premier federal counter-terrorism authority responsible for probing terrorism-related cases, has arrested two Kashmiri over-ground workers (OGW) accused of sheltering terrorists involved in the deadly April 22, 2025, attack in Pahalgam. This terror strike resulted in the deaths of 26 innocent civilians and injuries to 16 others, highlighting the severity of the threat posed by terrorist groups operating from within Pakistani territory.
According to the NIA, the arrested individuals—identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar of Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, both from Pahalgam—provided logistical support, including food, shelter and other forms of assistance to three terrorists who carried out the brutal attack. The arrested duo was produced before the NIA Special Court in Jammu on June 23, 2025, and has been remanded to police custody for five days.
During initial interrogations, the accused reportedly revealed significant information regarding the identities of the terrorists, all of whom are revealed to be Pakistani nationals linked to the proscribed terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The NIA, however, clarified in an official statement dated June 23, 2025, that while substantial evidence—including eyewitness accounts, video footage, technical evidence, and sketches released earlier by the Jammu and Kashmir Police—is being rigorously analysed, the agency has not yet officially concluded the identification process. The agency emphasised its commitment to the highest professional standards, promising transparency and clarity as the investigation progresses.
This clarification follows earlier speculative media reports that prematurely claimed to confirm the identities of the attackers. The NIA cautioned against such speculative narratives, stressing that misleading information could negatively impact investigations.
Nonetheless, the developments significantly corroborate India’s consistent claims about Pakistan’s continued tolerance and active facilitation of cross-border terrorism targeting Indian territory. The nature of support extended by local accomplices highlights the operational challenges faced by security forces combating terror outfits with suspected state backing from across the border.
One of the key suspects reportedly under investigation is Suleiman Shah, previously linked to a terror attack at the Z-Morh tunnel construction site on the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway in October 2024, which resulted in seven civilian casualties. His alleged involvement points towards the recurring use of Pakistani territory by known terrorists to plan and launch attacks against civilian targets in India.
This latest development reinforces the urgent need for intensified international cooperation on counter-terrorism measures, especially targeting terrorist infrastructures and sanctuaries within Pakistan. For Canada and other Western nations increasingly focused on counter-terrorism strategies, the case highlights the necessity of robust international collaboration and diplomatic pressure to compel Pakistan into verifiable, meaningful action against terrorist groups operating from its soil.
India’s meticulous and transparent handling of the investigation reflects positively on its broader counter-terrorism framework, enhancing its standing as a reliable partner committed to global security and stability. The international community should recognise these investigative efforts and support India’s position in demanding decisive global action against cross-border terrorism facilitated by Pakistan.