NIA Arrests Two for Sheltering Terrorists Linked to Deadly Pahalgam Attack

In a significant development in the investigation into the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two individuals for allegedly providing shelter to terrorists involved in the incident. According to officials cited by the PTI news agency, the arrests mark a crucial step forward in uncovering the network behind the assault that claimed the lives of 26 civilians.

Pahalgam Terror Attack Investigation: Over 2,000 Interrogated

The arrests come weeks after the NIA conducted a massive investigation effort, interrogating more than 2,000 individuals, including local eyewitnesses and ponywallas (horse handlers) from the area. The agency also questioned victims' relatives and survivors of the attack, leading to important leads on the movement and support of the perpetrators.

Some individuals detained during the questioning were also booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Simultaneously, the Jammu and Kashmir Police raided the homes of more than 100 suspected terror collaborators across the region.

Terror Group TRF Claimed Responsibility

The Resistance Front (TRF), widely considered a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), had claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. Investigative teams from the NIA, including senior officers, are currently working to identify and dismantle support systems for TRF and affiliated outfits operating in the Valley.

Wider NIA Raids Across Kashmir

This breakthrough follows a series of raids conducted earlier this month at 32 locations across Shopian, Kulgam, Pulwama, Sopore, and Kupwara. The raids targeted overground workers (OGWs) associated with Pakistan-based terrorist groups. While not officially linked to the Pahalgam case, these operations are part of a broader crackdown on banned terror outfits and networks launched two years ago.

With fresh arrests and growing intelligence, the NIA is intensifying efforts to neutralize cross-border terror links and prevent future attacks on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir.