Three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants were gunned down in a fierce firefight with security personnel in the Keller region of Shopian district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Based on specific intelligence reports regarding the presence of militants, a joint party of the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted a cordon and search operation in the Shukroo Keller forest belt early this morning. As the troops started searching around, the concealed terrorists fired, setting off a shootout that lasted for hours.
During the exchange, the three LeT terrorists were neutralized. One of the dead militants has been identified as Shahid, who was a local resident, while attempts are being made to determine the identities of the others, who are believed to have had connections with recent cross-border terror operations. Security officials opine that another terrorist is also possibly still in the area and that search operations continue in an effort to secure the region fully.
This action follows hot on the heels of the high-profile April 22 terror strike in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians and sharply increased tensions between Pakistan and India. Acting on that attack, India initiated Operation Sindoor, striking terror infrastructure across the border and giving a firm warning that any future terror act on Indian soil will be construed as an act of war. The government has also officially announced a change in its engagement rules, establishing a clear red line for terror outfits based in Pakistan.
Security forces have also increased their operation against Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in the Valley. During the days of the Shopian encounter, government authorities erected "Terror Free Kashmir" banners carrying the three Pakistani terrorists'-Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai, and Hashim Musa-names and photographs suspected to have masterminded the attack on Pahalgam. Rs 20 lakh bounty on information leading to their neutralisation has been placed, and several locations in the southern Kashmir divisions, including Shopian, already have the put-up posters displayed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his recent speech, reaffirmed India's commitment to react firmly to any terror attack, declaring, "If there is a terrorist attack on India, a befitting reply will be given. We will give a befitting response on our terms only. We will take strict action at every place from where the roots of terrorism emerge.". He also cautioned that India would not accept any nuclear blackmail and would target exactly the hideouts of terrorists, wherever they may be.
The success of the operation in Shopian reflects the increased vigilance and offensive approach of Indian security forces in the wake of recent attacks and continuous ceasefire violations. While combing operations continue, authorities are on high alert to avoid any further infiltration or terror activity in the area.
