In a significant development following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, houses belonging to two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists — Asif Sheikh and Adil Thokar — have been destroyed in separate blasts and demolitions in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama and Bijbehara regions.

Powerful Blast Destroys House of LeT Commander Asif Sheikh

The house of Asif Sheikh, a local commander of LeT, was completely destroyed in a powerful explosion in the Monghama area of Tral, Pulwama district. Asif Sheikh had been recently named by security agencies in the investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, including a foreign national and a local Kashmiri.

According to police sources, security forces were conducting a search operation in the area when they discovered suspicious materials inside Sheikh’s premises. The security personnel evacuated the area quickly, and moments later, a huge blast ripped through the structure, reducing it to rubble. Preliminary investigations point toward the presence of hidden explosives within the house, possibly stored for future attacks.

Demolition of Adil Thokar’s House in Bijbehara

In a related action, security forces demolished the house of another LeT terrorist, Adil Thokar alias Adil Guree, located in Guree, Bijbehara. As per intelligence sources, Thokar also played a key role in the execution of the Pahalgam attack.

Thokar had reportedly travelled to Pakistan in 2018, where he is believed to have received terrorist training. He returned to India last year and has since been under surveillance for anti-national activities. His identification came after a witness, reportedly the wife of one of the deceased tourists, recognised him as one of the attackers.

Attackers Trained in Pakistan, Say Officials

According to security officials, the Pahalgam terror plot was executed by a group of five to seven terrorists, assisted by at least two local militants trained in Pakistan. Intelligence has now confirmed the involvement of multiple Pakistan-based individuals in planning and carrying out the attack.

Authorities have released sketches of three Pakistani terrorists believed to be part of the strike team:

• Asif Fauji

• Suleman Shah

• Abu Talha

These individuals operated under code names Moosa, Yunus, and Asif, respectively. All three have prior involvement in terror incidents, particularly in Poonch, and were reportedly coordinating from across the border.

Details of the Pahalgam Attack

The Pahalgam terror attack, now being called the deadliest in Kashmir since Pulwama 2019, occurred in a popular tourist spot on April 22, 2025. The attackers reportedly asked victims about their religion before opening fire, indicating a communal targeting motive. Among the 26 confirmed deaths are several tourists, with more than a dozen others seriously injured.

Initial statements by ex-Pakistani military officer Adil Raza have sparked controversy. Raza claimed that the attack was orchestrated on the orders of Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, allegedly bypassing formal state apparatus to fulfill personal or strategic interests. Raza labelled General Munir as a "rogue element" acting with military accomplices.

Escalating Diplomatic Tensions

In response to India's strong reaction, Pakistan has taken aggressive diplomatic and logistical steps, further intensifying bilateral tensions:

• Airspace has been closed to all Indian aircraft.

• The Wagah border has been shut down.

• All trade with India — including via third countries — has been suspended.

• The Indian High Commission’s strength in Islamabad is being cut down to 30 members.

• Pakistan has put the Simla Agreement in abeyance and suspended all SAARC visas issued to Indian nationals.

The Pakistani PMO confirmed these developments in a press release, indicating a shift in bilateral engagement to an aggressive diplomatic posture.

Security Measures Intensify in Valley

Following the attack, security forces have launched massive search operations across South Kashmir, focusing on areas like Pulwama, Tral, Anantnag, and Bijbehara. Streets remain largely deserted, especially in tourist hotspots, as the administration continues to maintain high alert in light of potential follow-up strikes or retaliatory actions.

Top officials, including Home Ministry representatives, have visited the site, and central agencies like the NIA and IB have joined the probe to ascertain cross-border linkages and identify sleeper cells.

Public Outrage and National Reaction

The brutality of the Pahalgam attack and its timing ahead of summer tourist season have led to widespread public outrage. Protests erupted in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, demanding swift justice and crackdown on local terror sympathisers.

Political parties across the spectrum have condemned the violence, with demands for more stringent counter-terrorism measures and scrutiny of border infiltration routes. Citizens have also called for revocation of soft approaches and tougher international stance against Pakistan.

What Lies Ahead

The blasts that destroyed the homes of key LeT operatives mark a turning point in India's counter-terror strategy — signaling a zero-tolerance approach and direct retaliation against terror infrastructure.

As investigations continue, focus now shifts to:

• Tracking remaining suspects

• Evaluating intelligence failures

• Preventing further escalations

• Dealing with diplomatic fallout

India’s stand remains firm that any involvement of Pakistani state or military in the Pahalgam incident will invite strong international response.

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