Three suspected terrorists were killed in the Jammu encounter.
May 13, 2025 - In a major counter-terror operation, security forces on Tuesday killed three suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in an encounter in the Shukru forest area of Keller in south Kashmir's Shopian district. The operation, launched based on specific intelligence inputs, has dealt a major blow to the banned terror outfit while search operations are underway to ensure there is no additional threat in the area. According to police sources, the operation began in the wee hours of Tuesday when a joint team of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) cordoned off the Zinpathar Keller area of Shopian following credible intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists. As the security forces got closer, the hiding terrorists opened fire, triggering a fierce gunfight. Kutte is classified as a Category-A LeT terrorist who joined the outfit on March 8, 2023.
According to an ANI report, the police spokesperson said, "Based on specific information about the presence of terrorists in the Shukru Keller area, security forces launched a cordon and search operation. In the encounter that followed, three LeT terrorists were killed." The operation, named "Operation Keller" by the Indian Army's Rashtriya Rifles unit, reflects the commitment of security forces to eliminate the terror network in the area.
The encounter initially started in neighbouring Kulgam district and then moved to the dense forests of Shopian, showing the kind of challenging terrain the security forces have to navigate in such operations. Initial reports suggest that one more terrorist may still be active in the area, prompting authorities to expand the search operation. To ensure that no terrorist escapes, troops have been deployed to search the nearby forests with drones and surveillance equipment.
The operation is being carried out in the wake of increased security measures following the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists. The attack, attributed to LeT and carried out with the support of Pakistan-based handlers, including 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, has intensified counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir. In recent weeks, security forces have demolished properties linked to suspected terrorists and detained hundreds of people for questioning as part of a massive crackdown. The Shopian encounter is being seen as a significant breakthrough, with officials noting its impact in disrupting the LeT network in south Kashmir. Items recovered from the site include arms and ammunition, which are being analysed for further clues. The operation also reflects improved coordination among security agencies, which leverage accurate intelligence to target terror hideouts. Local residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, while authorities have assured that the situation is under control. While the region is grappling with the aftermath of recent terror incidents, the encounter has strengthened India's resolve to fight terrorism. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has guided security operations in his earlier pledge to "hunt down and punish every terrorist and their supporters", the Shopian encounter is a step towards restoring peace in Kashmir.