Srinagar, June 23 -- The accused-Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar, a resident of Batkote, Pahalgam, and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, Pahalgam-were arrested by the NIA on Sunday in what officials described as the first major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation.

According to the NIA, the two men had knowingly harboured the three armed terrorists who carried out the brutal attack. The militants, confirmed to be Pakistani nationals affiliated with the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, were given shelter, food, and logistical support at a seasonal dhok (hut) in Hill Park ahead of the incident.

The NIA further said that during interrogation, the arrested aides disclosed the identities of the attackers and confirmed their affiliation wit...