In Operation Keller, security forces reportedly gunned down three Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian during the early hours of Tuesday. The terrorists opened fire at security forces while they were conducting a combing operation in the area, officials said.
One of the three has been identified as Shahid Kuttay, son of Mohammad Yousuf Kuttay, a resident of Chotipora Heerpora in Shopian. Official sources said Shahid joined the LeT on March 8, 2023, and was categorised as an ‘A’ category terrorist. He was allegedly involved in multiple attacks, including the April 8 firing at Danish Resort that injured two German tourists and a local driver, the May 18 killing of a BJP Sarpanch in Heerpora last year, and is a suspect in the murder of a Territorial Army personnel in Kulgam on February 3 this year, the reports said.
The second was identified as Adnan Shafi Dar, son of Mohammad Shafi Dar, a resident of Wanduna Melhora, Shopian. He had reportedly joined LeT on October 18, 2024, and was allegedly involved in the same-day killing of a non-local labourer at Wachi in Shopian, sources added.
The identity of the third slain militant is still being ascertained, reports said.
Also read
- Jammu and Kashmir as safe as any other place, say IATO
- India begins evacuating citizens via Armenia as Iran-Israel conflict intensifies
- Will FATF tighten the Grey List noose around Pakistan? Watchdog says Pahalgam terror attack 'could not occur without money'
- After Vande Bharat train launch, Kashmir fruit growers pin hopes on new ‘Apple Express’
In a post on X, the Indian Army said a search and destroy operation was launched in the Keller area of Shopian, based on specific intelligence provided by a Rashtriya Rifles unit regarding the presence of terrorists in the Shoekal Keller region. According to security personnel, the gunfight began when terrorists opened fire upon them. The encounter is underway.
A senior police official said that a massive cordon and search operation was launched in the forests of Kellar after having specific input about the presence of some terrorists, ANI reported. "As the team of police and Army started a combing operation, the hiding terrorists fired upon the party, triggering off gunfight. During the exchange of fire, three LeT terrorists were killed, however identity of the terrorists is being ascertained," ANI reported quoting the official.
However, it is yet to be ascertained whether the terrorists are linked to the Pahalgam terror attack. Security forces have heightened vigil in Jammu and Kashmir in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. India, on May 7, launched 'Operation Sindoor' to avenge the Pahalgam attack.
