By Pravin Kumar
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its probe into the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists and left 16 others grievously injured.
In two statements issued on June 22 and 23, the NIA announced the arrest of two local men, Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote, Pahalgam, and Bashir Ahmad Jothar from Hill Park, Pahalgam, for harbouring the terrorists responsible for the attack.
According to the NIA’s first statement on June 22, investigations revealed that Parvaiz and Bashir knowingly provided food, shelter, and logistical support to three armed terrorists at a seasonal dhok (hut) in Hill Park, Pahalgam, prior to the attack.
The terrorists, who selectively targeted tourists based on their religious identity, carried out one of the most gruesome terror attacks in the region’s history. The duo has been charged under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the case, registered as RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU, is under active investigation.
In its second statement on June 23, the NIA confirmed that the accused were produced before the NIA Special Court in Jammu on the same day and remanded to five days of police custody for further interrogation.
The agency emphasized that the investigation is being conducted with the highest standards of professionalism, with all aspects of the attack being thoroughly examined. The NIA also stated that the identities and further details of the terrorists would be disclosed at an appropriate time.
Political Controversy Erupts
The arrests have sparked a political controversy, with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah offering a contrasting perspective. On June 24, Abdullah suggested that the two accused may have acted under duress. “Although they provided food to the terrorists, it could have been done under coercion,” he told reporters in Gulmarg. “Let the investigation continue; following its conclusion, the chargesheet and other legal proceedings will be presented by the NIA.”
Abdullah also claimed there was no local involvement in the April 22 attack, asserting that all the terrorists were foreigners.
Abdullah on Statehood and Elections
In a separate development on June 24, Chief Minister Abdullah addressed speculations about the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and the potential dissolution of the Legislative Assembly.
Speaking to reporters in Gulmarg, he dismissed reports suggesting that fresh elections would be required after statehood is restored as attempts to intimidate Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
“I know who planted the story in a newspaper here… it was planted only to scare the MLAs,” Abdullah said. “This statehood is not for any MLA or the government. This statehood is for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and we MLAs will not be an obstacle in it.” He added that if the Assembly’s dissolution is necessary for statehood restoration, he would recommend it to the governor the day statehood is granted. “Stop planting stories in newspapers, it won’t work,” he asserted.
Abdullah, sworn in as the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in October 2024, reiterated that statehood is a fundamental right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
