Coordinated Strikes Mark a Renewed Offensive
In a significant escalation of counter-terror operations, six terrorists — including three linked to the Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) — were neutralized in two separate encounters over a 48-hour period in Jammu and Kashmir. The joint operations were carried out by the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police, reflecting a renewed strategy in response to recent spikes in militant activity.
The announcement was made at a joint press briefing in Awantipora, where Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, V.K. Birdi, and Major General Dhananjay Joshi of the Indian Army detailed the operations and their significance.
A Valley on Edge After Pahalgam Attack
These operations come in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives and sent shockwaves through the region. The brutality of that attack prompted swift retaliatory airstrikes by India on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, sharply escalating cross-border tensions.
In the aftermath, Indian security forces intensified intelligence gathering and revamped their operational approach. According to IGP Birdi, “All security agencies reviewed their strategy in the wake of increasing terror activity. The outcome of that coordination is now showing results on the ground.”
The Kelar Operation: JeM Group Wiped Out in Higher Reaches
The first of the two major encounters unfolded in the Kelar region on May 12, based on specific intelligence about a terrorist group’s movement. On the morning of May 13, search parties spotted the group, and upon being challenged, the terrorists opened fire.
A fierce gunfight ensued, leading to the elimination of three heavily armed militants, all confirmed to be linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad, a designated terror outfit supported by Pakistan. Major General Joshi emphasized that this strike dismantled a significant cell operating in remote, difficult terrain.
Tral Operation: Hostage Risk Averted, Civilians Rescued
The second operation occurred in a border village near Tral, again triggered by actionable intelligence. Security forces faced immediate challenges when the terrorists took firing positions inside residential houses. Prioritizing civilian safety, the forces first launched a rescue operation to safely evacuate the villagers.
Once civilians were secured, forces conducted a meticulous house-to-house search and successfully neutralized three terrorists hiding within. One of the deceased was identified as Shahid Kuttee, a notorious militant involved in multiple attacks, including one targeting a German tourist, and reportedly active in terror funding networks.
A Strategic Shift: Proactive, Intelligence-Driven Warfare
IGP Birdi credited the success to “deepened coordination and focus” between various security agencies. The dual operations reflect a tactical evolution — from reactive to proactive engagement, driven by precise intelligence and swift execution.
By eliminating high-value targets and ensuring zero civilian casualties, these encounters signal a paradigm shift in India’s counter-terror strategy in Kashmir, one that focuses not just on eliminating militants but also dismantling the wider terror infrastructure.
A Clear Message to Terror Networks
The elimination of six terrorists, including key operatives from JeM, sends a strong message to militant networks operating in the region and their handlers across the border. These operations affirm that India’s security forces are prepared, coordinated, and resolute in their mission to neutralize threats while protecting civilian life.
As the Valley continues to navigate a complex security landscape, such precision strikes backed by actionable intelligence are not just tactical victories — they are strategic assertions of India’s intent to dismantle the terror ecosystem in its entirety.
(With agency inputs)
