Shopian, J&K (National Times): Jammu & Kashmir’s Shopian district has once again become the epicenter of counter-terror operations as security forces engage in a tense standoff with Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists. Three militants have been killed in an active gunfight in Zinpather Keller.
The encounter comes amid heightened pressure on terror operatives following the devastating Pahalgam attack. In a coordinated campaign, security forces plastered ‘Terror-Free Kashmir’ posters across Shopian, targeting three key suspects linked to the attack — Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai, and Hashim Musa.
Authorities suspect Thoker, a local turned terrorist who crossed into Pakistan in 2018, to be the primary local handler. His house in Bijbehara was demolished by authorities using IEDs just weeks ago. Security forces believe these men provided logistical support to Pakistani infiltrators.
The latest encounter adds momentum to Operation Sindoor, India’s sweeping anti-terror response that has targeted multiple camps in Pakistan and PoK.
