Three Lashkar Terrorists Killed in Shopian Encounter; Operation Sindoor Continues

In a major success for Indian security forces, three terrorists affiliated with the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba were neutralized in an encounter on Tuesday in the Zinpather Keller area of Shopian. The gunfight erupted early morning and concluded with the elimination of all three operatives. One of the deceased has been identified as Shahid, a local resident and known Lashkar associate.

The operation coincided with an intensified crackdown following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. In response, ‘Terror Free Kashmir’ posters featuring wanted terrorists Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai, and Hashim Musa were displayed across Shopian. Authorities have offered a reward of ₹20 lakh for credible information on their whereabouts.

Adil Hussain Thoker, believed to have aided Pakistani infiltrators in the Baisaran Valley attack, had previously crossed into Pakistan in 2018 and returned last year. His residence in Bijbehara was demolished with explosives on April 25.

These developments come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Following the Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure across the border. A four-day military escalation ensued before both sides agreed to pause further action on Saturday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first address post-operation, warned, “India has only paused. Any future provocation will be met with a firm response.” He held Pakistan accountable for promoting terrorism, cautioning that such actions will ultimately backfire on its own stability.