SRINAGAR: Adil Hussain Thokar, once a promising and introverted student who was pursuing a master’s degree from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) after completing his graduation from Government Degree College in Khanabal, Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, is now considered one of the masterminds behind the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists.
He was also working part-time as a teacher while preparing for competitive exams. “He wasn’t very social but focused on his studies,” said Hafeez, one of his neighbors. Gazi, another neighbor, described him as a quiet, decent, and studious individual.
Adil’s family and the villagers believe he has been missing since April 29, 2018, after he left for Badgam to appear for an exam. However, intelligence agencies have confirmed that Adil traveled to Pakistan on a study visa, where he met with radical leaders and became involved in anti-national activities.
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It is believed that he crossed the Line of Control (LoC) in 2024 to re-enter India.
Adil’s native village, Guree, in Anantnag, has a population of around 4,000 people. His family lives modestly—one brother works as a painter, while another is employed at an automobile showroom. Apart from government employees, most villagers rely on small businesses or labor work, with many depending on tourism for their livelihood.
In what has been described as the deadliest assault since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, at least 26 tourists were killed in the attack in Pahalgam. Six foreign terrorists, disguised in Army fatigues, targeted victims based on their religion, asking them to identify themselves and recite Islamic verses before opening fire. The attack took place at Baisaran Meadow, a scenic tourist spot located 7 km from Pahalgam.
Adil’s family, particularly his mother, Shahzada Bano, insists that they haven’t heard from him since April 29, 2018, when he told them he was going to Badgam for an examination. “After that, his phone was switched off. We lodged a missing report three days later,” she said. Bano cannot accept that her son could be involved in such an attack but added, “If he is involved, the forces can act accordingly.” She appealed for Adil to surrender so that her family could live in peace.
After the attack, the Army demolished the family’s house in Guree village, escorting Bano to a relative’s place in a neighboring village. The Army later conducted a sweep of the ruins, looking for unexploded ordnance.
The authorities have offered a reward of Rs 20 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Adil, along with other suspects in the attack.
