Adil Hussain Thokar, once an IGNOU student, is now a key suspect in the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists. Discover his transformation and the tragedy’s deeper impact.

From Scholar to Fugitive: The Rise of Adil Hussain Thokar

Once known for his quiet demeanor and academic ambitions, Adil Hussain Thokar has now become a name synonymous with one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir’s recent history. The story of his transformation from a master’s degree student at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to a wanted militant sheds light on the growing complexities of radicalization in the region.

A Promising Beginning: Adil Thokar’s Early Life and Education

Adil Hussain Thokar’s early life painted the picture of a young man on the path to success. Having completed his graduation from Government Degree College in Khanabal, Anantnag, he was pursuing higher studies at IGNOU, aiming for a better future. Known to be introverted yet determined, Adil’s aspirations were much like those of countless other young men striving for progress despite the turbulent backdrop of Kashmir.

His sudden disappearance on April 29, 2018, shocked his family. According to his mother, Shahzada Bano, Adil had informed them he was traveling to Badgam to appear for an examination. When he failed to return and his phone remained switched off, worry quickly escalated into despair. A missing person’s report was filed three days later, but Adil had seemingly vanished without a trace.

The Tragedy at Pahalgam: A Nation in Mourning

On a day that should have been filled with the simple joys of sightseeing, tragedy struck Baisaran Meadow, a picturesque location near Pahalgam. Armed militants, disguised in Indian Army uniforms, launched a brutal assault that left at least 26 tourists dead. Survivors recounted the horrifying moments when attackers forced them to identify themselves by religion before indiscriminately opening fire.

This calculated and chilling attack marked the deadliest act of terror in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, a constitutional change that removed Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. The incident not only shattered lives but also dealt a severe blow to efforts aimed at promoting tourism in Kashmir—a sector many hoped would bring peace and prosperity to the region.

A Mother’s Anguish: Family Grapples With Unimaginable Truth

For Shahzada Bano and her family, the accusations against Adil are almost impossible to comprehend. Speaking through tears, Bano expressed disbelief that her son could be involved in such heinous violence. Yet, she bravely added, “If he is involved, the forces can act accordingly.” Her plea for Adil to surrender is a desperate attempt to salvage what remains of her family’s shattered peace.

After the attack, security forces demolished the Thokar family’s home in Guree village, an act symbolizing the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards militants. Bano was escorted to a nearby relative’s house, while the Army combed through the ruins in search of unexploded ordnance—a grim reminder of the stakes at hand.

Manhunt Intensifies: Authorities Offer Reward

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, the authorities launched an extensive manhunt for Adil and other suspects. A reward of ₹20 lakh (approximately $24,000) has been announced for any information leading to his capture. This move underlines the urgency with which security agencies are pursuing justice for the victims and their families.

Security experts suggest that Adil’s radicalization may have occurred during his time underground after disappearing in 2018, a pattern tragically familiar in many insurgency-hit regions. His case highlights the persistent challenge faced by authorities in identifying and addressing the early signs of radicalization before they culminate in violence.

A Deeper Problem: Radicalization in Post-370 Kashmir

Since the revocation of Article 370, Kashmir has seen relative calm punctuated by sporadic but devastating attacks. Experts point out that while open militancy has declined, radicalization efforts have become more covert and sophisticated. According to a 2024 report by the Institute for Conflict Management, youth recruitment into militant groups dropped by 30% compared to 2018 levels, but isolated incidents like the Pahalgam attack show that the threat remains potent.

Counter-terrorism analyst Ajay Sahni emphasizes that “the battle is no longer just about physical territory but the ideological space,” where disillusioned youth like Adil are vulnerable to extremist narratives.

Conclusion: A Story of Lost Potential and Lingering Pain

The tragic arc of Adil Hussain Thokar’s life—from a promising student to a fugitive implicated in mass murder—is a stark reminder of the fragile line between hope and despair in conflict zones. His story is not just about one individual’s fall, but about a larger societal wound that continues to bleed despite efforts to heal it.

As Kashmir continues its journey toward stability, the challenge remains to win back the hearts and minds of its youth before they, too, vanish into the shadows of violence. Only by addressing the deeper causes of alienation and offering pathways to meaningful engagement can stories like Adil’s be prevented from repeating themselves.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information and reports as of April 2025. The portrayal of individuals is intended to present an accurate journalistic narrative and should not be construed as a legal determination of guilt or innocence. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

source : The Times of India