Three terrorists killed in Shopian, J\&K encounter
SHOPIAN, J\&K — Three terrorists were killed on Tuesday during an intense encounter with security forces in the dense Keller forests of South Kashmir’s Shopian district, the Indian Army confirmed. The operation, launched in the early morning hours, was based on specific intelligence provided by a Rashtriya Rifles unit regarding the presence of militants in the Shoekal Keller area.
According to the Army, the terrorists opened heavy fire on the search team, triggering a fierce firefight. “OPERATION KELLER. On 13 May 2025, based on specific intelligence of a #RashtriyaRifles Unit about the presence of terrorists in general area Shoekal Keller, #Shopian, #IndianArmy launched a search and destroy Operation.
Although the identity of the slain terrorists has not yet been confirmed, officials suspect that they may be linked to the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the group believed to be responsible That attack claimed the lives of 26 people and injured many more, drawing national outrage and international condemnation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation following the Pahalgam massacre, vowed that the country would respond with decisive force. “Terrorists and those who shelter them will face the full might of our security forces,” Modi said, reiterating India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism.
Security agencies have been conducting relentless combing operations across South Kashmir and Kishtwar since the Pahalgam attack. While it is yet to be verified if the terrorists killed in today’s Shopian encounter were directly involved in the Pahalgam assault, intelligence sources indicate a possible connection.
Meanwhile, posters have appeared across Pulwama district, announcing a ₹20 lakh reward for information leading to the capture or killing of those responsible for the Pahalgam attack. The Jammu and Kashmir Police earlier released the sketches and identities of three Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives suspected of involvement.
The situation remains tense in the region, with heightened security measures and continued search operations expected in the coming days.