Pahalgam terror attack: Homes of 5 LeT terrorists demolished; Hundreds detained on suspicion of being OGWs

Srinagar: Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 people—mostly tourists—security forces have intensified their crackdown, demolishing the houses of five active Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists across south Kashmir and detaining hundreds of suspects.

However, the families of the terrorists have accused authorities of punishing them for the actions of their relatives.

In a series of coordinated operations, security forces used explosives to demolish the double-storey house of Ahsan Ahmad Sheikh in Murran village of Pulwama. Sheikh reportedly joined the LeT in June 2023.

In Shopian’s Chotipora area, the house of Shahid Ahmed—an LeT operative for the past two years—was also reduced to rubble. A similar action was carried out in Kulgam district, where the residence of Zakir Ganie in Quimoh was destroyed. Ganie is believed to have joined the terror outfit last year.

These demolitions followed Friday’s razing of two other homes—those of Adil Hussain Thoker alias Adil Gojri in Bijbehara, Anantnag, and Asif Sheikh in Tral, Pulwama. Both are currently active LeT operatives, according to officials.

Security agencies described the demolitions as part of a “firm and coordinated response” to the April 22 massacre at Baisaran, Pahalgam. “This is just the beginning,” a senior police officer said. “Those who facilitated this barbaric act will face consequences. More actions will follow as investigations progress.”

He added that such measures are intended to deter future attacks like the one in Pahalgam.

In parallel, security forces have detained hundreds of alleged OGWs (Over ground workers) and suspected supporters across south Kashmir’s Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, and Shopian districts as part of efforts to track down those responsible for the attack.

The crackdown expanded to Srinagar on Saturday, with raids conducted at over a dozen locations, including Safakadal, Soura, Pandach, Bemina, Shalteng, Lal Bazar, and Zadibal areas.

The unprecedented measures, however, have sparked anger among the families of the terrorists and those being detained.

“My one brother is in jail, another is a Mujahid (holy warrior), and I have two sisters. Police took away my family members. We are innocent. They destroyed our house,” said Yasmeena, sister of Adil Thoker, speaking to reporters amid the rubble.

An elderly relative of another militant echoed similar sentiments, saying they had no contact with the militant after he joined LeT. “How can we be held responsible for his decisions?” he asked, requesting anonymity.

Meanwhile, according to a report by ANI, security agencies have compiled a list of 14 local terrorists currently operating in the Union Territory.

The list includes Adil Rehman Dentoo (21), Asif Ahmed Sheikh (28), Ahsan Ahmed Sheikh (23), Haris Nazir (20), Aamir Nazir Wani (20), Yawar Ahmed Bhat, Asif Ahmed Khanday (24), Naseer Ahmed Wani (21), Shahid Ahmed Kutay (27), Aamir Ahmed Dar, Adnan Safi Dar, Zubair Ahmed Wani (39), Haroon Rashid Ganai (32), and Zakir Ahmed Ganie (29).

“Security agencies are investigating the links between these 14 individuals and the five terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack. The NIA, along with other agencies, is assisting J&K Police in the probe,” sources said.

The Pahalgam attack—among the deadliest on civilians in recent years—has sent shockwaves across the Valley and the rest of the country. The government has vowed to bring all those connected with the assault to justice.