Security forces gunned down three LeT militants in Kashmir’s Shopian district. The action came shortly after “Terror-Free Kashmir” posters surfaced, showing that infiltration and attacks continue even after the India-Pakistan military pause.
BY PC Bureau
In a significant counter-terror operation, security forces on Tuesday neutralized at least three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in the Zinpather Keller area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district, according to sources in the security establishment.
The encounter, which began earlier in the day, saw a fierce exchange of fire between the trapped terrorists and Indian security personnel. One of the slain militants has been identified as Shahid, a local LeT operative, while efforts are underway to confirm the identities of the other two.
This operation comes in the immediate aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and serves as a stark reminder that Pakistan continues to push terrorists across the Line of Control, despite the recently agreed-upon military “pause” between the two nations.
In a clear sign of heightened vigilance, security agencies had earlier on Tuesday put up “Terror-Free Kashmir” posters across Shopian, naming three Pakistan-backed terrorists—Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai, and Hashim Musa—linked to the Pahalgam attack. A bounty of ₹20 lakh has been announced for actionable information on their whereabouts.
Three terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in #Shopian
Salute to the resolve of our forces eliminating every threat that undermines peace in #Kashmir
The people of valley are with the forces in this fight against terrorism!@kayjay34350pic.twitter.com/7pIiHtZXaG
— Sehrish Bashir (@SehrishB_) May 13, 2025
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Authorities had already taken action against Thoker last month, demolishing his Bijbehara residence with IEDs on April 25. Thoker is believed to have played a key logistical role in aiding Pakistani infiltrators who executed the deadly strike in the Baisaran Valley. Intelligence reports confirm that Thoker crossed into Pakistan in 2018 and re-infiltrated into Kashmir last year.
The killing of these three Lashkar operatives underlines that Pakistan-backed terrorism continues unabated, even after the four-day armed standoff between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor—a military retaliation launched by India in response to the Pahalgam attacks.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first public address since the launch of Operation Sindoor, issued a stern warning to Islamabad on Monday: “We have only paused our military action. Any fresh attack will be met with a decisive response.” He also said, “Pakistan’s sponsorship of terrorism will one day destroy itself.”
While both nations agreed to suspend open hostilities last Saturday, Tuesday’s encounter once again exposes Pakistan’s duplicity and continuing role in destabilizing the region through proxy terror warfare.
Key Takeaways:
- Three Lashkar terrorists gunned down in Shopian.
- One identified as Shahid, a local LeT recruit.
- Comes days after “Terror-Free Kashmir” posters surfaced across the district.
- Pakistan continues to send terrorists into Kashmir despite ceasefire.
- PM Modi warns of stronger retaliation if cross-border terrorism continues.
