New Delhi: Security forces in South Kashmir have demolished the residences of three additional suspected terrorists, bringing the total number of destroyed homes to nine since the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, as reported by officials on Sunday. The ongoing operations against suspected terrorists have sparked significant reactions from political leaders in Jammu & Kashmir.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asserted the necessity for strong measures against terrorists, while Mehbooba Mufti, the chief of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Chief Minister, highlighted the importance of differentiating between civilians and terrorists during counterterrorism efforts following the attack that resulted in 26 fatalities.
Officials indicated that the three residences were destroyed during the night of April 26-27, specifically the homes of Adnan Shafi Dar in the Zainapora area of Shopian, Amir Nazir in the Daramdora area of Pulwama, and Jameel Ahmad in the Naz Colony area of Bandipora.
It was noted that all the individuals were linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), with Dar being associated with its offshoot, The Resistance Front (TRF), which has claimed responsibility for the April 22 attack. Ahmad has reportedly been operating from Pakistan since 2017. This action follows the demolition of six residences of suspected terrorists by security forces in South Kashmir since April 24.
While security forces attributed the explosions to bombs stored in the houses, relatives of some terrorists contended that the explosives were planted by the forces. Amid the ongoing crackdown, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated the need for decisive action against terrorism, stating, ‘Following the Pahalgam terror attack, there must be a resolute fight against terrorism and its roots. The people of Kashmir have openly opposed terrorism and the killing of innocent individuals, expressing their stance freely and spontaneously,’ he remarked in a post on X.
He emphasized that innocent civilians must not suffer as a result of the punitive measures implemented by security forces and the administration. He stated, ‘It is essential to build upon this support and refrain from any actions that may alienate the populace. While it is important to punish the guilty without mercy, we must ensure that innocent individuals do not become collateral damage.’
