NEW DELHI: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Thursday night demolished houses of two local terrorists Adil Thokar and Asif Shaikh who were allegedly involved in the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
Thokar, who legally traveled to Pakistan in 2018 through the Attari-Wagah border, allegedly received terrorist training before covertly returning to Jammu and Kashmir last year. Intelligence sources suggest he served as a guide and logistics coordinator for Pakistani terrorists involved in the recent attack.
The Anantnag Police has announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh for information leading to the arrest of three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists: Adil Hussain Thokar, Ali Bhai, and Hashim Musa. All three are suspected of orchestrating the devastating attack in Baisaran, Pahalgam, on April 22.
In what is being described as the deadliest assault since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, at least 28 tourists were killed and several others injured on Tuesday.
The attack occurred in Baisaran Meadow, a scenic area located approximately 7 km from the resort town of Pahalgam, known for its natural beauty and tranquil environment.
According to survivors, six foreign terrorists dressed in Army fatigue uniforms targeted victims based on their religion. The assailants reportedly asked individuals to identify themselves by name and recite Islamic verses before opening fire at point-blank range.
The attack took place around 1:30 PM, as tourists were relaxing in the picturesque meadow surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pine forests. Despite a strong security presence in the region, including multiple checkpoints and armed patrols, the attackers managed to breach defenses and unleash chaos in what is typically a peaceful tourist haven.