Crackdown After Carnage: Security Forces Raze Homes of Pahalgam Attack Suspects in J&K

In the aftermath of the devastating April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have launched a sweeping crackdown on suspected militants. On Friday night, homes of five terrorists were demolished across three districts—Kulgam, Shopian, and Pulwama—in a strong message against terror networks.

Among the demolished properties was the residence of Shahid Ahmed Kuttey in Shopian’s Chotipora village. Simultaneously, the house of Haris Ahmad, an active Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) operative since 2023, was destroyed in Kachipora, Pulwama. In Kulgam, authorities brought down the house of another suspected LeT militant.

Notably, two explosions occurred during search operations in the homes of LeT operatives Adil Hussain Thoker and Asif Sheikh. Security officials believe explosives had been pre-planted inside these homes. Both Adil and Ahsan ul Haq Sheikh reportedly received terror training in Pakistan in 2018 before re-entering the Valley.

The Army’s response has been swift and assertive. On Friday, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi made his first visit to the Union Territory following the attack, reviewing the security situation and discussing counterterrorism measures with top commanders. Meanwhile, Indian forces responded strongly to fresh ceasefire violations by Pakistan on the night of April 25–26. Though intense cross-border firing occurred, no casualties were reported.

As investigations deepen and countermeasures intensify, the government appears determined to ensure the perpetrators and their supporters face the full force of the law.