New Delhi: The central government’s mission to demolish the houses of suspected terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir has been put on halt after concerns raised by regional political parties, including the ruling National Conference.
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people and injured 17 others, the security forces, on the direction of Home Ministry, demolished houses of all the suspected terrorist in an intensified efforts to end terrorism.
Around 10 houses were destroyed with the suspected terrorists said to be linked with Hizbul Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Muhammad, and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Even the homes of three terrorists in Pahalgam terror attack were rattled.
Notwithstanding the measures of security forces, the locals at many places in J&K, particularly in Pulwama, protested against the demolitions as it damaged the houses located next to the demolished buildings, according to a report by The Hindu.
This led to condemnation from regional parties such as National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, Awami Ittehad Party and J&K Peoples Conference. The parties pointed out that constant demolitions in Kashmir could lead to alienation on the ground.
According to an official in the J&K government, as told to The Hindu, the central government took cognisance of the concerns flagged by all the regional parties and decided to review the measures. However, the crackdown on terror groups was intensified.
The Jammu and Kashmir police raided at least 36 suspected terrorists in Kashmir with most of them were found 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, as quoted by The Hindu.
The houses of suspected terrorists were found by the police in the Chenab Valley, some of them were said to be operating from the Line of Control (LoC).
