Officials reported that security forces in South Kashmir had demolished the residences of three more suspected terrorists. This brings the total number of homes razed to nine since the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.
The ongoing demolitions have sparked strong reactions from political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called for tough action against terrorists. Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and former CM Mehbooba Mufti stressed the importance of distinguishing between terrorists and civilians during counterterrorism operations following the attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people.
Recent Demolitions of Suspected Terrorists’ Homes
According to officials, the demolitions took place during the night between April 26 and April 27. The homes of three suspected terrorists—Adnan Shafi Dar from Zainapora, Shopian, Amir Nazir from Daramdora, Pulwama, and Jameel Ahmad from Naz Colony, Bandipora—were destroyed. All three suspects were reportedly linked to the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), with Dar being connected to LeT's offshoot, The Resistance Front (TRF), which has claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. Ahmad has reportedly been operating from Pakistan since 2017.
Rising Tensions and Reactions
This latest action follows the demolition of six other residences in South Kashmir since April 24. Security forces claimed that explosions at these homes were caused by bombs stored there, though relatives of the terrorists argued that the explosives were planted by the forces.
Leaders Call for Careful Action
Amid this ongoing crackdown, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged decisive action against terrorism, following the Pahalgam attack. He said, “After the Pahalgam terror attack, there must be a decisive fight against terrorism and its origin. People of Kashmir have come out openly against terrorism and the murder of innocent people, they did this freely & spontaneously.”
However, Abdullah also emphasized that innocent civilians should not be harmed in the process. He added, “It’s time to build on this support and avoid any misplaced action that alienates people. Punish the guilty, show them no mercy but don’t let innocent people become collateral damage.”
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also voiced concerns over the demolitions and arrests, urging the government to be careful. She said, “It must not alienate innocent people, especially those opposing terror.” She further expressed worries about how such actions could play into terrorists' strategies of division and fear. “Appeal Government to direct the authorities to take care that innocent people are not made to feel the brunt as alienation aids terrorists goals of division and fear,” Mufti posted on X.