In a decisive and high-impact response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including a Nepali national, the security apparatus in Jammu and Kashmir carried out an intensive crackdown late Friday night. Five residential houses, all belonging to identified Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, were demolished across three major districts—Shopian, Pulwama, and Kulgam.

Details of the Crackdown

The demolitions were part of a targeted operation following the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran Valley, popularly referred to as “Mini Switzerland” for its stunning landscape. The attack involved multiple armed men, opening indiscriminate fire on unsuspecting tourists. In its aftermath, security agencies swiftly launched a coordinated mission to hunt down those responsible.

According to official sources, the five terrorists whose homes were destroyed had long-standing links with the Lashkar-e-Taiba and were actively involved in anti-national and terror-related activities. The details are as follows:

• Shahid Ahmed Kutte (Chotipora, Shopian): A senior LeT commander, Kutte was reportedly instrumental in organising and coordinating terror strikes. Security forces used controlled demolitions to raze his home.

• Zahid Ahmed (Matalam, Kulgam): Identified as an active LeT terrorist, Ahmed's house was also brought down. He has been on the intelligence radar for suspected involvement in local radicalisation and weapons handling.

• Ahsan Ul Haq (Murran, Pulwama): Known to have undergone terror training in Pakistan in 2018, Ahsan had recently returned to the Valley, prompting urgent surveillance. His home was destroyed in a pre-planned explosion.

• Ehsan Ahmad Sheikh (Pulwama): A relatively newer recruit, active since June 2023, Ehsan's house was demolished with controlled explosive charges.

• Haris Ahmad (Pulwama): Active in local LeT modules since last year, Haris’s residence was similarly destroyed by security personnel.

Officials stated that criminal cases have been formally registered against all five individuals, and intelligence continues to monitor possible sympathisers and associates in their localities.

Background: Pahalgam Attack and Its Aftermath

The terrorist assault in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley—a well-known tourist destination—shocked the entire country. Armed terrorists targeted civilians during peak tourist hours, resulting in 26 fatalities and multiple injuries. The choice of location and timing appeared to be deliberate, aimed at undermining tourism, instilling fear, and gaining global attention.

Following the attack, the Anantnag Police took swift action. They released sketches of three prime suspects, two of whom—Hashim Musa alias Suleman and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai—are believed to be Pakistani nationals. A third suspect, Adil Hussain Thoker, has been identified as a local operative. Authorities announced a cash reward of ₹20 lakh for any credible information that could lead to their capture.

The previous night, homes belonging to Adil Hussain Thoker and Asif Sheikh, two suspects directly linked to the Pahalgam attack, were demolished with explosives—a sign of the escalating intensity of counter-terror measures being employed.

Increased Surveillance and Search Operations

Post-attack, multiple security agencies, including the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu and Kashmir Police, have been conducting continuous cordon-and-search operations across the region. The focus remains on identifying sleeper cells, neutralising active terrorists, and ensuring the safety of civilians, especially in high-footfall tourist areas.

Sources confirm that high-tech surveillance equipment, including drones and thermal imagers, are being used to track the movement of suspected terrorists. Checkposts have been intensified, and movement in and out of the Valley is being tightly monitored.

The Strategic Shift in Counter-Terror Measures

The demolition of terrorists' houses marks a shift in operational strategy. While earlier crackdowns focused on arrests and armed encounters, this approach targets the symbolic and material roots of terrorism. Destroying hideouts and support infrastructure aims to send a strong message to existing and potential operatives that acts of terrorism will carry long-lasting consequences—not just for them but also for their network of support.

Critics of such actions argue about the legal and ethical implications of property demolition. However, security forces maintain that these actions are legally backed, targeted only at confirmed terrorists, and are necessary to dismantle terror ecosystems.

Tourism and Civilian Sentiment

The attack on Pahalgam, a region heavily dependent on tourism, has led to a temporary decline in footfall. Local businesses and hospitality providers have reported cancellations and economic distress. Authorities are working to restore confidence by increasing visible security presence and assuring safety to tourists.

On the ground, civilian sentiment is a mix of fear and resilience. Many residents have supported the crackdown, particularly those who feel intimidated by the growing terror network. Some, however, express concerns over collateral damage and urge the government to ensure justice and transparency in all operations.

Looking Ahead

The latest demolitions in Shopian, Kulgam, and Pulwama represent only a fraction of the larger counter-terror strategy being implemented post-Pahalgam. As the manhunt intensifies, it is expected that more such targeted actions will follow, particularly in areas considered high-risk for terrorist activity.

The Union Home Ministry is closely monitoring the situation, and it is expected that high-level meetings between intelligence agencies and state officials will result in more coordinated efforts in the days to come.

Conclusion

The destruction of five terrorist residences across Jammu and Kashmir marks a milestone in the post-Pahalgam crackdown. It reflects the zero-tolerance policy now being adopted by security forces and the government towards any form of terror activity, especially in regions with strategic and economic significance like Kashmir.

With multiple agencies working in tandem, the objective remains clear: eliminate terror threats, safeguard civilian lives, and restore peace in a region that has seen far too much bloodshed. Whether these actions yield the desired long-term stability remains to be seen, but for now, they have sent a powerful message—terrorism will be met with swift and uncompromising retaliation

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