In a significant breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two individuals for providing shelter to the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, the agency announced on Sunday.

According to the NIA, the arrested men — Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar of Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, Pahalgam — revealed the identities of the three armed terrorists involved in the attack. They further confirmed that the attackers were Pakistani nationals affiliated with the banned terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The NIA stated, “Parvaiz and Bashir knowingly harboured the three armed terrorists at a seasonal dhok (hut) in Hill Park prior to the attack.” The duo is accused of providing food, shelter, and logistical support to the assailants, who targeted and killed tourists based on their religious identity on April 22, marking one of the most heinous terror attacks in recent memory.

Both men have been booked under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Further investigation is currently underway.