Houses of three more terrorists razed; leaders ask Centre to exercise caution

With three more houses belonging to militants demolished in the Kashmir Valley on Saturday night, political leaders have warned against actions that could “alienate people,” urging the government to tread “with caution and carefully distinguish between terrorists and civilians.”

Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, security forces have launched a massive crackdown across the Valley, detaining over 2,000 people. Over the past few days, the houses of nine militants have been razed, reportedly using explosives.

The houses demolished on Saturday night belonged to militants identified as Adnan Safi Dar from Zainpora, Shopian; Amir Nazir from Pulwama; and Jameel Ahmed Sher Gojri from Bandipora in north Kashmir.

Sources said Amir had been missing since April last year and had joined Jaish-e-Mohammed, while Adnan, a Lashkar-e-Taiba/The Resistance Front (LeT/TRF) militant, had been missing since November 2024. Gojri had travelled to Pakistan a few years ago and did not return.

Among the nine houses demolished were also those belonging to two Pakistan-based militants, and LeT militant Adil Thoker, whose name figured among the three suspects police said were involved in the killings.

As the number of demolished houses grows, families of the militants are questioning why they are being punished, claiming they have no connection with them. Valley leaders, too, are advising the Central government to avoid actions that could alienate the broader population.

During the demolition of the house belonging to LeT militant Ahsan-ul-Haq Sheikh in Pulwama, several nearby houses were also reportedly badly damaged.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said that following the Pahalgam terror attack, “there must be a decisive fight against terrorism and its origins.”

He noted that the people of Kashmir had come out openly against terrorism and the murder of innocents, doing so “freely and spontaneously.” However, he cautioned that now is the “time to build on this support and avoid any misplaced action that alienates people.”

“Punish the guilty, show them no mercy, but don’t let innocent people become collateral damage,” he wrote on X.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti also urged the Government of India to “tread with caution and carefully distinguish between terrorists and civilians” following the recent terror attack.

“It must not alienate innocent people, especially those opposing terror. There are reports of thousands being arrested and scores of houses of common Kashmiris being demolished along with those of militants,” she said.

Mufti appealed to the government to instruct authorities to ensure that “innocent people are not made to feel the brunt, as alienation aids terrorists’ goals of division and fear.”

Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed concern over the “indiscriminate arrests” and videos circulating on social media showing house demolitions.

“The scenes are disturbing and distressing,” he said. “I urge the authorities, in seeking justice for the innocent victims, not to punish innocent Kashmiri families,” he added on X.

National Conference leader Nasir Lone, reacting to the demolition of the house of Pakistan-based militant Farooq Tedwa from Kupwara, said Tedwa had been living in Pakistan for three decades after abandoning his family.

“Destroying the homes of families will not avenge the wrongs committed by militants. It only deepens the wounds and punishes those already left behind,” he said.

Langate MLA Sheikh Khurshid on Sunday called for “taking everyone along” and “not alienating any section of society in the war against terrorism.”

J & K