Security forces and Jammu & Kashmir authorities on Friday demolished the residences of two militants suspected to be involved in the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 tourists earlier this week.
The house of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Adil Hussain Thoker in Bijbehara was brought down using improvised explosive devices, while a bulldozer was used to raze the residence of Asif Sheikh in Tral.
Thoker is believed to have played a crucial role in aiding Pakistani terrorists to plan and execute the deadly ambush in the scenic Baisaran Valley. Officials said he had travelled to Pakistan in 2018 through the Attari-Wagah border, received training in terror camps, and infiltrated back into Jammu and Kashmir last year.
The Anantnag Police have announced a reward of ₹20 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Thoker and two Pakistani nationals — Ali Bhai and Hashim Musa — who were involved in the attack. Sketches of the trio have been released, and an extensive manhunt is underway.
“Musa and Ali have been active in the valley for almost two years now,” police said.
Eyewitnesses and survivors of Tuesday’s attack recounted that the terrorists, dressed in military fatigues, emerged from the dense pine forest encircling the valley and opened indiscriminate fire with AK-47 rifles.
Victims’ statements suggest that the attackers checked identity documents to confirm religion and shot non-Muslims at point-blank range.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the terrorists wore helmet-mounted and body cameras to record the incident. The recovery of dry fruits and medicines from the site pointed to advance preparation and logistical planning.
The attack — among the worst in the Valley in recent years — has led to a sharp escalation in diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan.
Holding Islamabad indirectly responsible for the massacre, New Delhi responded within 24 hours with a series of punitive measures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, downgrading of diplomatic ties, and cancellation of all Pakistani visas.
Pakistan has retaliated with similar diplomatic steps, including closing its airspace to Indian-owned and operated airlines.
While Islamabad has denied India’s charges of harbouring the attackers, global outrage over the killings continues to grow.
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