Pahalgam attack update: NIA flags 'speculative, misleading' reports on sketches of terrorists— ‘Identities will be…’

Pahalgam terror attack update: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) recently flagged speculative media coverage in connection with sketches and identities of the terrorists involved in the deadly terror attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. It provided an update regarding the identities of the terrorists and said that their identities will be made public soon.

An NIA press release dated June 23 states, “The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken note of media coverage. It is seen that some media coverage is speculative and therefore of misleading nature. Such reports circulating in sections of the media and on social media platforms are regarding the sketches and identities of the terrorists involved in the terror attack at Pahalgam.”

Pahalgam terrorists linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba

The NIA previously arrested two accused who were sent to police custody for five days. These two people from Pahalgam are accused of harbouring terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack. The suspects were produced before a Jammu Special Court on June 23.

The two men arrested were identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park. They have disclosed the identities of the three armed terrorists involved in the attack and confirmed that they were Pakistani nationals associated with the terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The statement added, “Two accused persons have been arrested in connection with the attack. During their interrogation, they have disclosed details about the identities of the three armed terrorists involved.”

The NIA probe revealed that the two suspects knowingly harboured the three armed terrorists at a seasonal dhok (hut) at Hill Park before the terror attack. They are accused of providing food, shelter and logistical support.

As the investigation continues and the agency reviews extensive evidence, the release said, “The NIA assures that the investigation is being carried out with the highest standards of professionalism, and all aspects of the terror attack are being thoroughly examined. The identities and further details of the terrorists will be made public at an appropriate time.”