SRINAGAR, India (Diya TV) — In the wake of the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, Indian security forces have intensified operations across Kashmir, demolishing the homes of alleged militants and their associates in a sweeping crackdown on the region’s terror infrastructure.
Authorities used controlled blasts to destroy at least eight houses linked to suspected terrorists, including the home of Lashkar-e-Taiba operative Farooq Ahmed Teedwa in Kalaroos, Kupwara, according to officials. Teedwa, currently believed to be in Pakistan, is allegedly coordinating with the Pakistan Army to orchestrate attacks on civilians in Kashmir.
Security forces also razed the homes of suspected militants in south Kashmir’s Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam districts. Among the targets were residences belonging to Ehsan Ul Haq Sheikh of Murran, Zakir Ahmad Ganai of Matalhama, and Shahid Ahmad Kutay of Chotipora, officials said.
In Anantnag’s Bijbehara and Pulwama’s Tral areas, the homes of Aadil Thoker and Asif Ahmad Sheikh—both allegedly linked to the Pahalgam attack—were also demolished. Officials said Thoker has been directly named among the terrorists responsible for the attack.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police, in coordination with the Army and CRPF, launched extensive search operations across the region, focusing on dismantling what authorities described as the “terrorist ecosystem.” More than 175 people were detained in Anantnag alone, while about 1,500 youths have been questioned since the April 22 attack.
In Srinagar, police searched more than 60 locations tied to overground workers and terrorist sympathizers, seizing weapons, documents, and digital devices (J&K Police Statement). “This decisive action aims to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure and ensure lasting peace,” a police spokesperson said. They warned that anyone found aiding terror activities would face strict legal consequences.
The crackdown has not been without controversy. Families of the accused militants expressed anger over the demolitions. Zakir Ganai’s father told The Hindu that his son went missing in September 2023 and questioned the need to destroy their home, claiming the family had no knowledge of his whereabouts. In Pulwama’s Murran village, local residents reported collateral damage to nearby homes from the blasts.
Meanwhile, tension along the Line of Control (LoC) remains high. Indian Army officials reported unprovoked small arms fire from multiple Pakistan Army posts on April 25–26, which was met with a “proportionate response.” No casualties were reported (Indian Army statement).
Residents in Jammu’s R.S. Pora sector have begun preparing underground bunkers as fears of further cross-border escalation mount.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed strong action after the Pahalgam attack, declaring that the killers would be pursued “to the ends of the earth.” Authorities have signaled that the demolitions and arrests are likely to continue in an effort to deter future attacks and dismantle terrorist networks operating within the Valley.
