House of LeT Terrorist Asif Sheikh Destroyed in Blast; Two Residences Targeted in Pahalgam Attack Crackdown

The house of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Asif Sheikh, believed to be involved in the recent Pahalgam attack, was destroyed in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday night. According to news agency PTI, the homes of two LeT terrorists were demolished in an explosion.

Citing officials, PTI reported that security forces were conducting search operations at the residences of two LeT terrorists — Adil Hussain Thokar and Asif Sheikh — when explosives planted inside the houses detonated. The blasts led to the complete destruction of both structures.

Adil Hussain Thokar, a resident of Bijbehara block in Anantnag district, has been identified as one of the prime accused in Tuesday’s Pahalgam terror attack. Asif Sheikh, from Tral in Pulwama district, is suspected to have been part of the attack’s planning.

Thokar has been declared the most wanted terrorist, with the Anantnag Police announcing a ₹20 lakh reward for credible information leading to his capture. Additionally, two Pakistani nationals have also been named most wanted in connection with the case.

Who is Adil Hussain Thokar?
Reports suggest that Thokar travelled to Pakistan in 2018, where he underwent terror training before returning to Jammu and Kashmir last year. Security agencies believe he has been aiding “well-trained and battle-hardened” Pakistani terrorists as a local guide.

Pakistani Terrorists Behind Pahalgam Attack: Hashim Musa and Ali Talha
Hashim Musa, also known as Suleiman, has been active in Jammu and Kashmir for about a year and is suspected to be one of the main perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack. According to NIA officials, he is likely linked to at least three attacks on security personnel and non-local civilians.

Ali Talha, another Pakistani national, has reportedly operated in the Kashmir Valley for nearly two years. Intelligence inputs indicate that Talha arrived in the region after Musa and was primarily active in the Dachigam forests on Srinagar’s outskirts.

Authorities have also begun questioning local residents and overground workers to gather further intelligence about the attackers, particularly regarding Musa’s network and movements.