In a major breakthrough for security forces, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operational commander Shahid Kuttay was killed along with two other terrorists in a gunfight in the Shukroo forest area of Keller, South Kashmir’s Shopian district, on Tuesday.
A senior police official confirmed to News24 that Kuttay, a resident of Chotipora Heerpora, was one of the most wanted terrorists in the Kashmir. He joined the ranks of terrorism on March 8, 2023, and was implicated in multiple terror-related incidents, including a shooting at the Danish Resort on April 8, 2024, which left two German tourists and their driver injured. Additionally, he was involved in the assassination of a BJP Sarpanch and a Territorial Army personnel in Kulgam.
The second terrorist has been identified as Adnan Shafi Dar, son of Mohd Shafi Dar from Wanduna Melhora. Dar, who joined LeT on October 18, 2024, was categorized as a C-grade terrorist and was involved in the killing of a non-local laborer in Wachi, Shopian. The identity of the third terrorist is still being determined, but sources indicate he is also a local.
The encounter erupted following specific intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the Shukroo forests. This operation marks the first major engagement after the recent “Operation Sindoor,” which resulted in the neutralization of approximately 100 terrorists and key commanders across Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.
In a related development, authorities have intensified their efforts to dismantle terrorist networks in the Jammu and Kashmir. Following the recent Pahalgam attack, security forces have destroyed the residences of several high-profile terrorists, including those of Kuttay and Dar, sending a clear message that there will be zero tolerance for terrorism.
As part of ongoing investigations into the Pahalgam attack, law enforcement agencies have released posters featuring three suspected terrorists involved in that brutal attack—Mussa, Ali Bhai, and local operative Adil Thokar—offering a reward of ₹20 lakh for information leading to their capture while ensuring the anonymity of informants.
After hitting nine terror camps in PoK and Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, operations have now intensified against active terrorists and their supporters in Jammu and Kashmir.
The SIA raided 20 locations the day before yesterday at the homes of OGWs (Over Ground Workers) in South Kashmir, stating that they were involved in sharing strategic information about the movement of security forces and installations of forces.
Prime Minister Modi delivered a clear message to Pakistan and terrorists yesterday, stating that Operation Sindoor is not closed; it is just kept in abeyance. He emphasized that if Pakistan’s behavior does not change, the operation will be resumed. He also remarked that terror and talks, terror and trade, and water and blood cannot coexist. If they fire a bullet, we will respond with shells.
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