News Desk – So here’s the latest twist in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack drama: the NIA has confirmed that all three attackers were Pakistani nationals. Yep, not a single local, contrary to what the initial police sketches claimed. Plot twist, much?
But wait — two locals from Pahalgam have been arrested. Why? Well, not for attacking anyone, but for allegedly playing the very warm (and very illegal) hosts to the terrorists. Because apparently, when three Lashkar-e-Toiba militants come knocking, you don’t just call the cops — you pack them a tiffin.
Who Are These ‘Guests’?
Meet the suspects (drumroll…):
- Suleman Shah – accused in the 2023 Z-Morh tunnel worker killings
- Two more Pakistanis – identities confirmed by the local hosts and other witnesses
Turns out, these three dropped by Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar’s houses in Pahalgam, asked for food, gave some cash (how thoughtful), and casually threatened them to keep quiet. Ah, the hospitality exchange program we never signed up for.
Remember those artist sketches J&K Police released two days after the attack? Yeah, those were apparently based on a photo from a dead militant’s phone — not the actual attackers. Turns out, the three men in the sketches weren’t even at the crime scene. Great job, everyone.
NIA is now:
- Revisiting past cases, including attacks in Kulgam and Poonch
- Matching ballistic reports to build a solid case
- Probably wishing people stopped treating terrorists like unexpected relatives showing up at dinner
Before nabbing Parvaiz and Bashir, the NIA questioned over 200 people — ponywallahs, shopkeepers, photographers, you name it. And yes, pony operator gossip may have helped crack the case. Turns out even terrorists can’t dodge the local grapevine.
The two locals have been arrested under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act) — because providing food, shelter, and logistics to armed terrorists isn’t exactly community service.
