Houses of 5 Terrorists Razed Across J&K After Deadly Pahalgam Attack

In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead, Indian security forces have escalated operations against terror operatives across Jammu and Kashmir. On Friday night, houses belonging to five Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were razed in coordinated operations across Shopian, Kulgam, and Pulwama districts.

Officials confirmed that the crackdown targeted individuals directly or indirectly linked to the attack in Baisaran Valley, often referred to as “Mini Switzerland.” Among those targeted was LeT commander Shahid Ahmed Kutte, whose house in Shopian’s Chotipora village was reduced to rubble. Kutte had been actively coordinating anti-national operations for the last few years.

In Kulgam’s Matalam area, the residence of another terrorist, Zahid Ahmed, was demolished. Pulwama saw the destruction of three properties: Ahsan Ul Haq’s house in Murran, razed by an explosion; Ehsan Ahmad Sheikh’s double-storey home; and Haris Ahmad’s residence in Kachipora, also destroyed by a blast. All five individuals have been active in terror activities since 2018 or later, with Ahsan reportedly receiving training in Pakistan.

Sources also revealed that on Thursday night, homes of two LeT terrorists directly behind the Pahalgam attack — Adil Hussain Thoker and Asif Sheikh — were destroyed in separate explosions. Police suspect explosives were stored inside these houses. The Anantnag Police also released sketches of the two Pakistani terrorists involved: Hashim Musa alias Suleman and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai, announcing a reward of ₹20 lakh for information on their whereabouts.

The gruesome Pahalgam attack took place earlier this week when heavily armed terrorists opened fire on tourists in the picturesque Baisaran Valley, killing 26, including one Nepali national. Eyewitnesses recounted chaotic scenes as tourists tried to flee for cover in the open landscape.

In response, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and revoked SAARC visa exemptions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to bring every terrorist and their supporters to justice, reiterating a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.

A massive manhunt involving the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police continues in the Valley to track down remaining suspects and restore calm in the region.