New Delhi: With the arrest of two local men who sheltered the Pakistani terrorists behind the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, Indian authorities have directly challenged Islamabad’s claims of non-involvement in the attack, media reports said.

India has consistently stated that the massacre, which left 26 dead and 16 injured, was orchestrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terror outfit. Pakistan, however, had rejected the charge.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif went so far as to call it a “home grown” and “false flag operation”, dismissing India’s accusations as “frivolous” and “devoid of rationality”.

The attack shocked the nation as the gunmen executed tourists at point-blank range in front of their families, reportedly after forcing them to confirm their religion.

Now, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar of Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, both from Pahalgam.

The duo is accused of harbouring three armed Pakistani nationals affiliated with LeT, as confirmed during their interrogation.

The disclosures not only corroborate India’s assertion that the attackers were Pakistani but also tie them to LeT founder Hafiz Saeed, already wanted for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

The arrests significantly strengthen India’s case against Pakistan at global platforms like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and reinforce its long-standing demand for Saeed’s extradition.

Investigators say the two accused gave food, shelter, and logistical aid to the terrorists at a temporary dhok (hut) in Hill Park ahead of the attack.

The terrorists then carried out the brutal killings, targeting victims based on their religious identity — an act that has been described as one of the most horrifying terror incidents in recent memory.

The NIA has charged both men under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Their statements may offer critical leads on the escape route used by the attackers and aid efforts to track them down.