Man held for aiding terrorists linked to Pahalgam attack

Mohammad Yousuf Katari, a 26-year-old Over Ground Worker (OGW), was arrested by Jammu and Kashmir Police after investigators traced him through an Android phone charger that linked him to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Officials said Katari had met the three terrorists involved in the massacre, Sulieman alias Asif, Jibran, and Hamza Afghani, on four occasions in the Zabarwan hills near Srinagar. He allegedly provided them logistical support, including the charger, and guided them through the terrain. The trio gunned down 26 people, mostly tourists, in Pahalgam.

The breakthrough came during Operation Mahadev, a July counter-terror operation in which all three terrorists were killed in the Zabarwan foothills. Forensic analysis of material recovered at the site led police to a partially destroyed mobile charger. Tracking its origin eventually pointed to Katari, who was arrested in late September.

Katari, who reportedly taught nomadic students in high-altitude areas, is believed to have been a key resource for the terror group. His arrest followed weeks of investigation and is seen as a significant step in dismantling the support network in the Kashmir valley.

Officials said the case may be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is already probing the wider conspiracy. The NIA has so far arrested two others for allegedly providing shelter and logistical help to the Pahalgam attackers.(With PTI inputs)