The Pahalgam terrorists who brutally killed 26 Indian tourists this April were trained militants from Pakistan, the NIA has confirmed. Their journey began in Abbottabad, the same city where Osama bin Laden was found, and ended in bloodshed in Kashmir’s peaceful hills.
The route was not random. Intelligence officials say the terrorists moved from Abbottabad to Muzaffarabad, both known hubs of terror activity. From there, they crossed the Line of Control into India using the Poonch-Rajouri corridor—a route long exploited by Pakistani terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Once inside India, the terrorists received help. Two locals from Pahalgam—Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar—are accused of giving them food, shelter, and even helping plan the attack. They are now in NIA custody and have reportedly confirmed that the attackers were Pakistani nationals affiliated with LeT.
The attack was not random either. Investigators believe the victims were targeted based on religion, making this one of the most cold-blooded terrorist strikes in recent years. The terrorists hid in seasonal huts near Hill Park, blending in with the terrain and local structures.
According to News18, central intelligence sources say the terrorists were highly trained. They likely participated in previous operations and were experts in covert movement, survival tactics, and combat.
The Pahalgam terrorists didn’t work alone. Authorities suspect they stayed at multiple safe houses, possibly with help from other sleeper cells. Their communication systems were advanced and hard to intercept, slowing down the investigation.
But the evidence is piling up. CCTV footage, police sketches, technical data, and eyewitness reports all point to a well-planned cross-border operation. The NIA hasn’t closed the case yet, but the trail is clear.
Importantly, this attack brings attention back to the Poonch-Rajouri infiltration route, often flagged by intelligence agencies as a favourite for Pakistani terrorists. The repeated use of this corridor shows a serious security loophole that India must now seal with urgency.
Local support, again, has proven to be a key factor. The two men who helped the terrorists didn’t do it out of fear. According to the probe, they knowingly aided the attackers. That’s betrayal—plain and simple.
As the NIA digs deeper, India watches closely. This wasn’t just another terror attack. It was a direct blow to Indian tourism, unity, and faith. The path the terrorists took—from military-run Abbottabad to the tourist haven of Pahalgam—is a story of how far hate can travel when borders are porous and traitors lie within.
Also Read Pahalgam Terror Attack: Two Arrested for Helping Terrorists; NIA Confirms Lashkar-e-Taiba Connection
