Lessons from Pulwama: Demolitions Do Not Deter Terror

Srinagar, July 23 – The chief minister referred to the Pulwama terror strike in April 2025 as a case study for current security strategies. After that attack, several residences of alleged militants were demolished, a move that sparked public outcry.

Umar Abdullah said investigations later proved that none of the Pulwama attackers were locals, highlighting that blanket demolition only punishes innocent families.

He argued that tearing down houses creates a cycle of grievance, potentially feeding future recruitment for extremist groups.

Abdullah called for a measured response that targets the perpetrators through law enforcement, intelligence gathering, and community cooperation, rather than indiscriminate property destruction.