India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced Sunday the arrest of two Kashmiri men, Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar, for allegedly sheltering militants behind April’s deadly attack in Pahalgam. The NIA claims the suspects provided “food, shelter, and logistical support” to three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists who killed 26 tourists, predominantly Hindus, at the Baisaran meadow.
Islamabad categorically denied involvement, calling India’s accusations “baseless” and noting New Delhi provided no public evidence. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its stance that India exploits terrorism allegations to divert attention from human rights violations in Kashmir. The arrests intensified tensions already inflamed by India’s revocation of the Indus Waters Treaty and Pakistan’s suspension of the Shimla Agreement in late April.
The diplomatic crisis erupted into armed conflict on May 7 when India launched Operation Sindoor, striking nine civilian sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir with missiles and drones. India claimed the targets were LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed camps, while Pakistan asserted civilian areas and mosques were hit, causing 31 civilian deaths. Pakistan retaliated with Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, including missile strikes on Indian airbases. Cross-border shelling killed over 70 people before a U.S.-brokered ceasefire ended hostilities on May 10.
The NIA’s investigation continues amid unresolved regional friction. While India demolishes homes of suspected militants and pursues the attackers, Pakistan maintains its right to “self-defense” against Indian aggression. Analysts warn the ceasefire remains fragile, with water disputes and Kashmir’s status still contentious.