Security Forces Neutralize Six Terrorists in Two Major Operations in Jammu and Kashmir
In a significant development in Jammu and Kashmir’s ongoing counter-terror efforts, security forces have eliminated six terrorists—three of whom were affiliated with the banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)—in two major operations carried out over the past 48 hours in the Kashmir Valley.
The operations were conducted jointly by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Senior officers from all three forces addressed the media at a joint press conference, sharing details of the encounters and the broader counter-terrorism strategy currently being executed in the region.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Kashmir Zone, V. K. Birdi, identified one of the deceased militants as Shahid Kuttee, a key figure with known links to multiple acts of terrorism.
“Shahid Kuttee was involved in at least two major terrorist incidents,” IGP Birdi stated, “including a particularly heinous attack on a German tourist.
Additionally, he played an instrumental role in financing terrorism in the region.” Birdi emphasized that the operations represent a clear indication of the security forces’ renewed commitment to dismantling the terror ecosystem that continues to threaten peace and security in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to IGP Birdi, recent terror incidents, including the deadly Pahalgam attack in which 26 civilians were killed, have triggered a reassessment of counter-terror strategies by all security agencies operating in the Union Territory.
“We have intensified our efforts and recalibrated our operations in response to the spike in terrorist activities,” he said, highlighting the synergy among various security forces.
Major General Dhananjay Joshi of the Indian Army provided further operational details, explaining that the first encounter occurred in the higher reaches of Kelar.
Based on specific intelligence inputs, security teams launched an operation in the area on May 12, after confirming the presence of a group of terrorists.
“On the morning of May 13, our search parties observed suspicious movement in the forested region. Upon being challenged, the terrorists opened fire. Our troops retaliated effectively, resulting in the neutralization of three terrorists in the ensuing gunbattle,” Maj. Gen. Joshi said.
He noted that the operation was conducted under difficult terrain and weather conditions but was successfully concluded without any casualties among security personnel.
The second operation took place in a border village in the Tral area, which has been a known hotspot for militant activity in South Kashmir. Based on actionable intelligence, security forces moved in to lay a cordon-and-search operation (CASO).
However, as the troops closed in, the terrorists opened fire from multiple houses in the village, attempting to exploit the presence of civilians as a shield.
“Our priority was to safeguard the lives of innocent villagers, who were at considerable risk,” said Maj. Gen. Joshi. “After a carefully coordinated evacuation of civilians, our teams conducted a thorough search of the area and succeeded in eliminating the three terrorists hiding in different structures.”
These successful operations come just weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack, one of the deadliest assaults in recent years. The brutality of that incident prompted a strong and swift response from the Indian government, which launched precision airstrikes on terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
These strikes significantly escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to a short period of heightened military alert before both sides agreed to a pause in active hostilities.
The twin operations not only mark a tactical victory for Indian security forces but also send a clear message to terrorist networks operating in the region.
With enhanced coordination, real-time intelligence sharing, and a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism, security agencies have reiterated their resolve to dismantle the infrastructure that enables cross-border militancy.
Authorities believe that the death of high-value operatives like Shahid Kuttee will deal a serious blow to the operational capabilities of groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad, while also disrupting their recruitment and funding channels.
As the security situation continues to evolve, the government and armed forces remain on high alert, with further operations expected in the days ahead.
The latest developments underscore both the complexity of the security landscape in Kashmir and the determined efforts underway to restore peace and stability in the region.
