Demolition Of Terrorists' Houses In Jammu-Kashmir Paused After Political Outcry, Crackdown On Terror Supporters Intensifies

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have paused the demolition of houses linked to suspected terrorists following a political outcry, The Hindu reported. Regional parties, including the ruling National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party, jointly condemned the move, warning it could deepen public alienation.

In the meantime, minor conflicts persisted along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), maintaining a state of tension for the fifth day in a row.

Government authorities confirmed that no terrorist's home was destroyed by controlled blasting on Monday (28 April). This cessation followed collective disapproval from local political parties. The Central government has acknowledged the regional parties' apprehension regarding demolitions in Kashmir and is currently "reviewing such measures," The Hindu reported.

The Ministry of Home Affairs identified over 14 active terrorists following the Pahalgam incident, which resulted in 26 civilian fatalities and 16 injuries on 22 April. The attack was followed by the demolition of homes belonging to suspected terrorists.

Authorities in Kashmir demolished around 10 houses linked to suspected terrorists affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Muhammad, and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Among the structures razed were the homes of three suspects identified by the J&K police in connection with the recent Pahalgam attack. However, the demolitions sparked protests in several areas, particularly in Pulwama, where adjacent houses suffered collateral damage.

While the demolitions were paused, the J&K police continued with raids on Monday at the residences of 36 suspected terrorists, primarily in Srinagar.

“In its continuing persistent action against terrorist associates of proscribed terrorist outfits and in furtherance of investigation into cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Srinagar police continue searches across multiple locations in the city with the aim of dismantling terror-supporting infrastructure in the district,” a police spokesman said.

The police conducted searches in Doda and Kishtwar, specifically in the homes of individuals suspected to be terrorists believed to be operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), within the Chenab Valley.

In another major development, the J&K Assembly on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the Pahalgam terrorist attack, expressing deep sorrow and outrage. The resolution affirmed the House’s commitment to firmly counter any attempts aimed at disrupting communal harmony and obstructing the region’s development.