Two Brothers Arrested for Sheltering Pahalgam Attack Terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir

Two Brothers Arrested for Sheltering Pahalgam Attack Terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir

Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir |  — In a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the brutal Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 tourists dead on April 22, security agencies have arrested two brothers accused of harbouring the attackers. This development is expected to help investigators uncover the broader terror network involved in one of the most chilling attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in recent times.

The two men, identified as residents of Batkote and Hill Park in Pahalgam, are believed to have knowingly provided shelter, food, and logistical support to the attackers shortly after the incident.

Shelter, Tea and Information: What the Arrest Revealed

According to sources involved in the investigation, the two individuals not only offered food and shelter but also served tea to the three heavily armed militants — just 3 km from the attack site in the Baisaran valley. The accused were reportedly aware that the men they hosted were terrorists but still proceeded to assist them.

During preliminary interrogation, the suspects disclosed the identities of the attackers. One of them, identified as Suleman, is reportedly a well-trained militant. The other two are believed to be newly recruited operatives not yet present in existing intelligence databases. Victims’ families helped identify Suleman, adding credibility to the confession.

Link to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistani Nationals Confirmed

Further investigation has revealed that the three terrorists are suspected Pakistani nationals affiliated with the proscribed outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). This revelation confirms long-standing concerns about cross-border terror activities continuing unabated, despite increased surveillance and security crackdowns in the region.

The two accused have been charged under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, which pertains to harbouring terrorists. Their arrest has added momentum to the probe, currently being led by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Terror Trail Leads to Anantnag

During interrogation, the brothers revealed that the terrorists escaped towards Anantnag after the attack. This has triggered a renewed search operation, with elite NIA units combing through suspected hideouts in coordination with local police and paramilitary forces.

The agency believes that uncovering this terror trail could help dismantle a larger network operating in South Kashmir and may prevent future attacks aimed at civilian or tourist targets.

The April 22 Massacre: A Recap

The Pahalgam attack took place in a bustling tourist spot, just as Kashmir was beginning to witness a seasonal influx of visitors. Gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists near a hill track, killing 26 civilians and injuring several others. The sudden and brutal nature of the attack shocked the nation and reignited concerns about soft-target terrorism in high-footfall zones.

Investigation Strategy and Security Response

Officials say the arrests are only the beginning of a broader strategy to root out support structures that allow such attacks to be executed and the perpetrators to disappear. Intelligence agencies are now probing whether the accused had any prior knowledge of the attack plans or if their support was limited to post-attack assistance.

Additional arrests and seizures are expected as digital and forensic evidence is examined. Security has been heightened in tourist zones across Jammu and Kashmir, with special focus on unmapped routes and villages within a 10-kilometre radius of Pahalgam.