Following the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead, intelligence sources have indicated that agencies have prepared a hitlist of 14 terrorists targeting those who aided Pakistani assailants in India. Targeted killings of local terrorists have begun, with the houses of six suspected terrorists or their associates demolished in the past 48 hours. The operation seeks to eliminate local support systems and funding channels for terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Additionally, 15 local overground workers (OGWs) and terror aides have been identified through electronic surveillance as key suspects who may have facilitated the Pakistani attackers behind the Pahalgam carnage. Investigators have focused on five prime suspects, of whom three have been detained and are under investigation.

Where are the terrorists believed to be hiding?
Security forces believe that the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack may still be hiding in the dense forests surrounding Baisaran, a popular tourist meadow known as ‘Mini Switzerland’. Despite searches in nearby towns and districts showing no sign of the attackers, the combing operations in the forests have been intensified.

Authorities are questioning over 200 detained OGWs to gather further intelligence about the terrorists’ movements and possible hideouts. Overall, more than 1,500 OGWs have been interrogated across south Kashmir in efforts to piece together the events leading up to the attack.

What are authorities doing?
Security forces have launched a sweeping crackdown to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir. Apart from demolishing the homes of terrorists and their aides, raids have been conducted at over 60 locations in Srinagar to seize weapons, documents, digital devices, and other evidence crucial for ongoing investigations.

Police officials have stated that the operations are intended to gather evidence, detect conspiracies, and deter any future terrorist activity. Joint interrogation teams involving the NIA, J&K Police, Intelligence Bureau, and RAW are questioning 10 additional OGWs who are suspected of having assisted Pakistani terrorists in previous attacks.

In a recent move, authorities bombed the house of Farooq Ahmad Tadwa, a native of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in the Kalaroos area of Kupwara district. The homes of Aadil Thoker in Bijbehara and Asif Sheikh in Tral were also demolished as they are believed to have links to the Pahalgam attack.

Police have warned that anyone found supporting violence, disruption, or unlawful activities will face strict legal consequences.