Who is Adil Hussain Thokar? From IGNOU student to terror mastermind behind Pahalgam attack

Adil Hussain Thokar, a former bright student from Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, has been confirmed to be one of the masterminds involved in the fatal Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the death of 26 tourists. Thokar was reportedly studying a master's degree course from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and was also teaching part-time while preparing for competitive exams. 

The transformation

Thokar was a shy, introvert, and studious individual, as described by his neighbors. Yet, intelligence agencies assert that he visited Pakistan on a study visa and spent time there meeting extremist activists and participating in anti-national activities. He is thought to have crossed the Line of Control (LoC) in 2024 to return to India.

The family's plea

Thokar's relatives, specifically his mother, Shahzada Bano, assert that they did not hear from him after April 29, 2018, when he told them that he was leaving for an examination to Badgam. Bano registered a missing report three days later and was shocked that her son was involved in the attack. She requested Adil to surrender, stating that if he is implicated, the forces can take necessary action accordingly.

The attack

The Pahalgam terror attack, carried out on April 22, was one of the deadliest since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Six foreign terrorists, wearing Army fatigues, targeted tourists along religious lines, asking them to declare their identities and recite Islamic prayers before they opened fire at them.

The aftermath

The government has offered a reward of Rs 20 lakh for information that leads to the arrest of Thokar and other suspects in the attack. The Army also demolished Thokar's family house in Guree village after the attack, and a search of the wreckage was done to look for unexploded ordnance.

The livelihood of the village

Guree village, the native village of Thokar, has around 4,000 inhabitants. The economy of the village is based on small business, labor work, and tourism. The attack must have left a heavy impact on the livelihood of the village.