Houses of three militants raized to ground “using explosives”

SRINAGAR — The homes of three more suspected militants were “demolished using explosives” during the night in south Kashmir.

Officials said three houses belonging to Ehsan-ul-Haq Sheikh of Murran in Pulwama district; Zakir Ahmad of Matalhama Kulgam and Shahid Ahmad Kuttay of Chotipora Shopian were blown up during the night.

“In connection with the recent terror attack, three houses belonging to terrorists in South Kashmir during the night were damaged in a blast,” they said.

During the April 24-25 night, the homes of the two Lashkar-e-Taiba militants — Adil Thoker of Anantnag and Asif Sheikh of Tral Pulwama — suspected to be among the Pahalgam attackers, were “demolished using explosives” in south Kashmir.

After the house of Adil was flattened, his family alleged that the forces demolished the house using explosives on Thursday night. However, Police said that “suspicious objects” stored inside the houses caused the blast.

In the last over three decades, many houses have caught fire or been blown apart during encounters.

While the police have not officially commented on these actions, top government sources said demolitions are meant to deter locals from joining militancy and send a strong message that those who join militant groups will bring serious consequences not just for the individuals, but also for their families.

Police said in view of prevailing scenario so as to liquidate the threat perceptions, Ganderbal Police alongwith Army, elite Para, CRPF and SSB have adapted an aggressive approach and started combing operations, especially in those areas where anti-national elements can possibly take refuge or had connection with the Over ground Workers (OGWs) and other supporters.

This time, the security forces have established a sound security matrix and are strategically targeting the areas close to the forest line and close to the snow line. During this course, house-to-house searches are being conducted and the suspected persons are being interrogated,” Police said.