Pointers are new threads. They have no ties to the original thread other than containing a link to the original thread's new location.
A pointer is a row created within the TOPICS table with a TOPIC_STATUS of "M" (moved).
Your previous thread remains untouched in TOPICS table, with the exception of its FORUM_ID updated to the new FORUM_ID location.
You can safely delete your pointers without having any affect on the original thread.
To delete a pointer thread, view the post (or select it from the Inline Post Moderation on the postlist page), then choose "Delete Thread" from the Tools menu.
