Srinagar, April 25 — In a major development following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack earlier this week, two houses belonging to suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives were destroyed in separate blasts on Thursday night in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities confirmed that both residences were linked to individuals allegedly involved in the planning and execution of the Pahalgam incident, which left several security personnel and civilians dead.
According to official sources, the explosions occurred during ongoing search operations by security forces at the properties of Adil Hussain Thokar, a resident of Anantnag, and Asif Sheikh, from Tral in Pulwama district. Both individuals are under investigation for their roles in the Pahalgam massacre, with Thokar believed to be a central figure in the attack and Sheikh allegedly involved in its broader conspiracy.
Security officials stated that the blasts were triggered by explosives stored within the houses, which detonated during the operation. The damage was extensive, leaving both structures in ruins. Authorities did not disclose whether any individuals were injured during the explosions, but confirmed that neither Thokar nor Sheikh were present in the homes at the time.
Intensified Security Operations Across South Kashmir
The destruction of the two homes comes amid heightened counter-terrorism activity in the Valley, especially across the southern districts. Following the Pahalgam bloodshed, security agencies have escalated their efforts to track down LeT affiliates and collaborators. An intensive manhunt has been underway for suspects believed to have provided logistical and material support to the attackers.
Multiple raids were carried out in Anantnag, Pulwama, and Kulgam districts over the past 48 hours. Sources within the Jammu and Kashmir Police indicate that over a dozen people have been taken into custody for questioning, including known Over Ground Workers (OGWs) linked to the LeT network. These operations are being conducted jointly by the J&K Police, Indian Army, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Key Accused: Adil Hussain Thokar and Asif Sheikh
Investigators have identified Adil Hussain Thokar as one of the main perpetrators behind the Tuesday attack in Pahalgam, where gunmen opened fire on a joint patrol, killing multiple personnel and injuring others. Thokar, in his early 30s, has been on the security radar for months and is believed to have been actively recruiting and mobilizing for the LeT’s southern Kashmir module.
Asif Sheikh, on the other hand, is suspected of playing a pivotal role in planning the attack. According to intelligence sources, Sheikh is a seasoned operative with known affiliations to LeT since 2018. He reportedly provided strategic inputs and may have helped procure arms and explosives used in the operation.
Explosives Hidden Inside Residential Structures
Officials confirmed that during the search operation on Thursday night, teams discovered concealed explosive materials within both homes. While attempting to neutralize and retrieve these substances, an unexpected detonation occurred, leading to the complete destruction of the properties.
Preliminary assessments suggest that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or similar volatile materials were stashed inside with the intent of either future deployment or as a contingency measure in case of a raid. Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) experts are currently examining debris to determine the precise nature and origin of the materials.
Public Reaction and Local Tensions
The twin blasts and subsequent demolition of the residences have sparked tension in the affected localities. Residents in Anantnag and Tral reported hearing loud explosions late Thursday night, followed by a significant deployment of security forces. While there were no immediate reports of protests, locals have expressed concern over rising security operations in civilian areas.
Authorities have appealed for calm, assuring the public that all actions are being carried out in accordance with legal protocols. Senior police officials have also reiterated that those providing safe havens or logistical aid to militants will be held accountable under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other relevant provisions of the law.
Political Reactions and Civil Society Responses
The incident has drawn muted responses from mainstream political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom remain cautious about commenting amid ongoing investigations. However, some civil society groups have raised concerns over the humanitarian impact of such operations, particularly when residential homes are involved.
Human rights activists have called for an impartial probe into the sequence of events that led to the explosions, urging authorities to ensure that civilian lives and property are not indiscriminately targeted in the name of counter-terrorism.
LeT Under Renewed Pressure
The latest incident marks a significant escalation in the crackdown on Lashkar-e-Taiba’s infrastructure within the Union Territory. With both Thokar and Sheikh currently absconding, intelligence units are working to dismantle the wider network that supported the Pahalgam attack.
Security analysts point out that LeT has been attempting to reassert its presence in south Kashmir through low-intensity attacks and targeted strikes on security convoys. However, coordinated counter-insurgency measures have dealt a severe blow to its operational capabilities.
Recent seizures of arms caches, arrests of key operatives, and now the destruction of suspected hideouts indicate that law enforcement agencies are taking a no-tolerance approach to militant activity.
A Timeline of the Pahalgam Attack Aftermath
- Tuesday, April 22: Militants ambush a joint patrol in Pahalgam, resulting in multiple fatalities.
- Wednesday, April 23: Security forces launch extensive search and cordon operations across south Kashmir.
- Thursday, April 24: Explosives detonate in houses of suspects Thokar and Sheikh during security search.
- Friday, April 25: Investigations confirm the presence of hidden explosives; forensic teams dispatched.
Authorities have yet to apprehend the primary suspects, but are optimistic about narrowing down their locations in the coming days. Intelligence-sharing with central agencies has been intensified, and drone surveillance has been deployed across suspected corridors used by militants.
The Road Ahead: Intensifying Counter-Insurgency Efforts
As security forces press ahead with their pursuit of those behind the Pahalgam massacre, the destruction of two houses believed to have served as militant hideouts signals a turning point in the ongoing operation. Officials stress that militancy will not be allowed to gain a foothold, and any individual or entity aiding such activities will face strict punitive action.
With a sharp rise in arrests and a strategic clampdown on terror financing networks, the government appears committed to quelling the insurgent threat. The coming days are likely to witness further raids, seizures, and arrests, as security agencies consolidate intelligence and pursue actionable leads.
The people of Kashmir remain watchful as the situation continues to unfold. With tensions simmering beneath the surface, the challenge now lies in balancing aggressive counter-terrorism measures with the need to preserve civil liberties and community trust.
The destruction of these two houses is not just an isolated event; it reflects the larger battle being waged against militancy in the Valley. As security forces tighten the noose, the ripple effects of the Pahalgam attack are likely to reverberate far beyond the immediate blast zones.
