Srinagar, Jul 16: In a chilling revelation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has confirmed that the terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam attack received logistical support from local residents, including a woman who unknowingly aided them a day before the massacre.

According to NIA sources, three Pakistani terrorists affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba visited the home of Parvaiz Ahmad in Hill Park, Pahalgam, on April 21. Armed with AK-47 and M4 rifles, they demanded food and stayed for nearly four hours. Parvaiz’s wife served them a meal and later packed rice and spices at their request. In return, the terrorists handed her five ₹500 notes – ₹2,500 in total.

The next day, the attackers selectively targeted and killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists, in Baisaran Valley. A key eyewitness told investigators that the terrorists celebrated the killings by firing four rounds into the air before fleeing.

The NIA has arrested Parvaiz Ahmad and Bashir Ahmad for allegedly harbouring the terrorists and aiding their movement. Over 50 people have been questioned so far, and the investigation continues to uncover the full extent of the local support network.

Empty cartridges recovered from the site corroborate the eyewitness account. Officials believe the attackers used religious profiling before executing the victims, asking some to recite the Kalma to determine their identity.

This attack marks one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in Kashmir in recent years. The Indian government responded with Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and PoK on May 7.

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