Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir demolished the houses of two alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in Anantnag district during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, hours after a police head constable was killed in a terrorist attack while on Amarnath Yatra security duty. The action was carried out as security forces intensified counter-terror operations across the region following the deadly attack.
Officials identified the two militants as Adil Thokar and Haroon Rashid Ganaie, both alleged to be active members of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. Their houses, located in Bijbehara and Hassanpora in Anantnag district, were demolished as part of the ongoing crackdown against terrorist networks operating in south Kashmir.
The demolition followed the killing of Jammu and Kashmir Police Head Constable Ashiq Hussain, who was shot by a lone terrorist in the busy Lal Chowk area of Anantnag on Wednesday afternoon while deployed for Amarnath Yatra security. The attack marked the first major terror strike in the Kashmir Valley since the Pahalgam attack, raising fresh security concerns during the annual pilgrimage.
In response, security agencies launched extensive search and cordon operations across Anantnag and neighbouring districts. According to reports, more than 2,000 suspects have been detained for questioning as part of a region-wide anti-terror operation aimed at identifying those involved in the attack and dismantling militant support networks. Additional checkpoints and surveillance have also been put in place to strengthen security for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.
Meanwhile, the demolition of the houses has sparked political debate. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned the effectiveness of such measures, saying that lasting peace cannot be achieved without winning the confidence of the people. He argued that while security action is necessary against terrorism, demolishing residential properties alone would not resolve the deeper challenges facing the region.
Authorities have said investigations into the Anantnag attack are continuing and security forces remain on high alert to prevent further incidents during the pilgrimage season.
