Three Militants Killed in Ongoing Encounter in Shopian’s Upper Reaches Amid Heightened Security Operations in South Kashmir
At least three militants have been gunned down in an ongoing anti-militancy operation being carried out by Indian security forces in the dense forested upper reaches of Shopian district, located in South Kashmir, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The encounter began early Tuesday morning, following reports of gunfire echoing through the region.
Acting on intelligence inputs about the presence of militants hiding in the area, security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation. Once contact was established, a fierce exchange of gunfire broke out between the militants and the joint team of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF personnel.
According to senior officials in the Jammu and Kashmir Police, at least three militants have been neutralized so far.
However, as the operation remains active and ongoing, authorities have opted not to release the identities of the deceased militants or further operational details at this stage.
A thorough combing operation is underway to ensure the area is cleared of any remaining threats.
The current operation comes against the backdrop of escalating anti-terror efforts across the Union Territory and follows a recent wave of militant activity that has prompted tighter security and intensified surveillance, especially in South Kashmir districts like Shopian, Pulwama, and Kulgam.
Context: Modi’s Tough Stand on Terrorism
The encounter also coincides with a strong message issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, just a day prior, reaffirmed his government’s firm stance against terrorism during a public address.
Referring to recent counter-terror actions, PM Modi declared that India will no longer differentiate between terrorists and those who provide them shelter or support. He emphasized that any attack on Indian civilians would be met with decisive and fitting retaliation.
This message came in response to the recent Indian strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and within Pakistan’s borders, actions that followed the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians tragically lost their lives last month.
Recent Militant-Linked Activities
This latest encounter in Shopian also comes just two weeks after another encounter in Bandipora, in which the brother of a known Hizbul Mujahideen militant was killed. Officials had described the deceased individual as a militant associate — someone who, while not an active militant, was allegedly assisting insurgent groups with logistics and support.
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have been intensifying their crackdown on militant networks, overground workers (OGWs), and sympathizers who are believed to be aiding in the recruitment, transport, and supply chains of various militant outfits such as Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
High Alert in Kashmir Valley
In light of increased infiltration attempts from across the border and repeated incidents of violence, security forces have remained on high alert across the Kashmir Valley. Special focus has been placed on sensitive districts like Shopian, which has historically seen both high recruitment of local youth into militancy and frequent encounters.
As of now, security officials have assured that the situation is under control and that further details will be shared once the operation concludes and a complete assessment of the situation is carried out.
The encounter highlights the continuing volatility in certain regions of Jammu and Kashmir and underscores the government’s sharpened approach to tackling militancy, while also protecting civilian lives and restoring long-term peace in the Valley.
