The crackdown began late Thursday night with the destruction of the residence of Adil Hussain Thoker, also known as Adil Gojri, in Bijbehara, Anantnag district. Officials stated that Thoker had legally travelled to Pakistan in 2018 via the Attari-Wagah land border, where he reportedly underwent training before re-entering Jammu and Kashmir last year. He is believed to have played a pivotal role in orchestrating the Pahalgam attack.
Subsequent demolitions targeted the homes of Asif Sheikh in Awantipora and Ahsan Sheikh in Pulwama. Authorities confirmed that all demolitions were carried out with prior evacuation of residents to prevent civilian casualties. The action is part of a broader strategy to dismantle local support networks for terrorism and to deter future recruitment.
The April 22 attack unfolded in the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination often referred to as "mini-Switzerland." Eyewitnesses recounted that five to six gunmen emerged from nearby forests and opened fire on a group of tourists, resulting in 26 fatalities, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. The Resistance Front , a lesser-known offshoot of LeT, claimed responsibility for the assault.
In the aftermath, Indian authorities launched an extensive manhunt, focusing on forested areas and potential hideouts in the region. The operation has led to the identification of three suspects, including two Pakistani nationals. Additionally, a top LeT commander, Altaf Lalli, was killed in a separate encounter in Bandipora district as part of the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
The incident has significantly strained India-Pakistan relations. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the militants involved in the attack, leading to a series of retaliatory measures. These include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, expulsion of Pakistani diplomats, and closure of borders. Pakistan has denied any involvement and responded by suspending the Simla Agreement, closing its airspace to Indian flights, and expelling Indian diplomats.