INVC NEWS Jammu and Kashmir – A massive counter-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir has led to the elimination of six terrorists within a span of 48 hours. Conducted by joint teams of the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, the operations took place in the high-altitude regions of Keran and Tral, successfully thwarting a major terror conspiracy. Officials confirmed that all six militants were hiding in difficult terrain and were well-armed and trained for long-term attacks.
Security Forces Neutralize Terrorists in Keran Sector
The first encounter occurred in the Keran sector near the Line of Control (LoC). On May 12, intelligence reports indicated the presence of terrorists attempting to infiltrate Indian territory. By the morning of May 13, Indian Army units detected suspicious movement in the high-altitude forests. Upon challenging the suspects, terrorists opened fire, triggering a fierce gun battle.
Three militants were gunned down during the exchange. Recovered items included assault rifles, ammunition, satellite communication devices, and rations bearing Pakistani markings. These recoveries strongly suggest cross-border infiltration and external support.
Tral Encounter Ends With Death of Key Terror Operative Shahid Kutte
The second operation unfolded in Tral, South Kashmir, in a densely populated border village. Based on actionable inputs, a cordon and search operation (CASO) was launched on May 14. As security forces closed in, terrorists hiding inside civilian houses opened fire, initiating a prolonged encounter.
Forces displayed immense tactical discipline to minimize civilian casualties. Eventually, three more terrorists were killed, including Shahid Kutte, a top-level militant responsible for multiple attacks, including one targeting a German tourist. He was also linked to terror financing and recruitment for banned groups.
IGP Kashmir Confirms Foiling of Major Terror Plot
IGP Kashmir VK Birdi, in a joint press briefing with Army officials, described the operations as “highly successful.” He emphasized that the neutralized terrorists were part of a larger conspiracy intended to disrupt peace in the valley. Their hideouts, gear, and movements pointed to a well-orchestrated plan that has now been dismantled.
Birdi stated, “These operations reflect our relentless commitment to uprooting the terrorist ecosystem. The terrain was challenging, but the coordination between forces ensured success.”
GOC V Force Outlines Tactical Success
Major General Dhananjay Joshi, General Officer Commanding of the V Force, elaborated on the specifics of both encounters. Speaking about the Keran operation, he highlighted how troops tracked and intercepted militants using high-tech surveillance tools. “The terrorists tried to exploit the altitude and natural cover, but our teams maintained visual contact and responded decisively.”
In Tral, the objective was even more delicate. The presence of civilians in homes where terrorists had taken shelter demanded extreme caution and precise strikes. Joshi commended the troops for maintaining control and ensuring the safety of villagers throughout the mission.
Recovered Items Indicate Cross-Border Support
A variety of materials recovered from both encounters provide strong evidence of cross-border connections. The seized items include:
AK-series rifles with modified grips
Night vision devices and tactical gear
Satellite phones and encrypted SIM cards
Foreign currency and forged Indian identification documents
Propaganda material and recruitment manuals
These findings confirm that the eliminated terrorists were not acting independently but were part of a well-funded and externally guided network.
Eliminated Terrorist Shahid Kutte Was a Key Figure
Among those killed, Shahid Kutte stands out due to his strategic importance within militant ranks. Known to operate under multiple aliases, Kutte had been under the radar for orchestrating two high-profile attacks and was heavily involved in managing funds and logistics for other operatives.
Sources revealed that he also served as a recruitment handler, using social media and encrypted platforms to lure young individuals into militancy. His presence in Tral was linked to efforts to revive terror networks in the region ahead of the summer season.
Investigations Underway for Local Support Channels
Authorities are now investigating the extent of local assistance provided to the terrorists. During the Tral encounter, militants used civilian homes to hide and fire from, raising concerns over sleeper cells and ground-level facilitators. Multiple suspects are being questioned to identify anyone who may have aided or harbored the militants.
Security forces are working in coordination with intelligence agencies to trace financial transactions, mobile call logs, and movement histories of those linked to the slain terrorists.
Army Strengthens Vigil at LoC and Internal Borders
In the aftermath of these encounters, the Indian Army has increased vigilance across infiltration routes. Special attention is being given to the LoC, Kupwara, Baramulla, Shopian, and forested zones frequently used as staging grounds. Enhanced electronic surveillance, including drone patrols and thermal imaging, has been deployed to prevent any further intrusion attempts.
Joint task forces are also actively patrolling villages with historical ties to militancy, conducting surprise checks and community outreach programs to prevent radicalization.
Civic Support Grows for Security Forces
A notable feature of the Tral operation was the cooperation extended by local residents. Despite the risks, villagers supported the cordon efforts and refrained from interfering, signaling a growing trust in law enforcement and military forces.
Authorities believe that public sentiment is gradually turning against terrorism, and ongoing campaigns to counter radical ideologies are yielding tangible results on the ground.
Kashmir Security Forces Foil Terror Conspiracy With Precision
The elimination of six terrorists in coordinated operations in Keran and Tral marks a critical victory for Indian security forces. These missions not only prevented a major attack but also removed key individuals fueling militancy in the valley. The recovery of weapons, communication gear, and financial links underscores the planned scale of the foiled terror plot. As operations continue and intelligence efforts intensify, Kashmir moves a step closer to sustained peace, backed by a vigilant security framework and a determined civilian population.
