Pahalgam terror attack: Houses of five terrorists razed

Days after the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, security forces have razed the homes of five Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday (April 25) night.

The targeted demolitions were carried out in Shopian, Kulgam, and Pulwama districts as part of the intensified counter-terror operations.

Also Read: Pahalgam revenge: Why India should not go for an Israel-like assault

Crackdown after attack

In Shopian’s Chotipora village, the house of LeT commander Shahid Ahmed Kutte was razed and reduced to rubble.

Kutte, who has been active in terror-related activities for nearly four years, is accused of playing a major role in coordinating anti-national operations.

In Kulgam's Matalam area, the house of terrorist Zahid Ahmed was similarly demolished.

In Pulwama district, three properties were destroyed — the houses of terrorists Ahsan Ul Haq in Murran, Ehsan Ahmad Sheikh, and Haris Ahmad in Kachipora.

All three have been active members of terrorist groups, with Ahsan, who underwent terror training in Pakistan in 2018, had recently re-entered the Valley.

Also Read: Pakistan defence minister admits terror ties, warns of 'all-out war' with India

Key accused targeted

Sources say that cases have been registered against all the terrorists whose houses were demolished.

This follows an earlier crackdown where the homes of LeT terrorists Adil Hussain Thoker and Asif Sheikh, key suspects behind the Pahalgam attack, were destroyed in separate blasts.

Sources said that some explosives were kept inside their house. The Police on Thursday (April 24) had released sketches of Thoker and two other terrorists suspected to be involved in the Pahalgam attack.

Also Read: Lashkar-e-Taiba and its terror infra intact in Pakistan | Pahalgam

Crackdown continues

Meanwhile, security forces continue a massive manhunt for other suspects involved in the Pahalgam massacre.

The Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir police have completely cordoned off the area.

The Anantnag Police are on the lookout for two other suspects, Hashim Musa alias Suleman and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai, and announced a ₹20 lakh reward for information leading to their arrests.

Also Read: ‘False flag operation’, ‘knee-jerk reaction’: Pak reaction to Pahalgam aftermath

Diplomatic response

In retaliation for the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, citing persistent cross-border terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to "identify, track, and punish" every terrorist and their backers involved in the brutal Pahalgam attack.