In a major crackdown following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, security forces have demolished the residences of at least four suspected militants across various districts of South Kashmir, according to local sources and officials.
The operation is part of intensified counter-terror efforts launched in the wake of the April 22 attack, which targeted civilians—mostly tourists—in the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have identified key suspects involved in the assault, prompting a series of search and demolition operations in the region.
One of the demolished homes belonged to Shahid Ahmed Kuttey in Chotipora village of Shopian. Another house, located in Kulgam, was identified as the residence of active militant Zakir. In Pulwama’s Muran village, the house of Ahsan ul Haq Sheikh was also destroyed. Police sources revealed that Sheikh had crossed into Pakistan in 2018 and had recently infiltrated back into the Valley.
In Kupwara’s Kalaroos area, the house of Farooq Teewda, a militant who reportedly went to Pakistan in the early 1990s and never returned, was also razed. Authorities suggest that Teewda remains linked to terror groups operating across the border.
Additionally, late Thursday night, explosions destroyed the homes of two alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants involved in the Pahalgam attack. These included Adil Hussain Thokar from Bijbehara, Anantnag, and Asif Sheikh from Tral, Pulwama. While security officials claim the explosions were triggered by explosives already stored in the houses during searches, the families of the accused allege that security forces planted the explosives.
A sister of Asif Sheikh, speaking to local media, expressed distress over repeated police summons and claimed harassment of her family members over the past four days.
Police have officially released sketches and names of the terrorists behind the April 22 attack. The identified attackers include local militant Adil Hussain Thokar and two foreign nationals: Hashim Musa alias Suleiman and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai. Asif Sheikh is also now believed to be among the five-member group responsible for the carnage.
Authorities have announced a cash reward of ₹20 lakh for information leading to the capture of the absconding terrorists.
According to police estimates, between 16 to 18 local militants are currently active in Kashmir, affiliated with various terrorist outfits. The security situation remains tense in the Valley, with ongoing search and cordon operations continuing in suspected hideouts across the region.
Sources By Agencies
