Shopian Encounter: Mastermind of Pahalgam Attack Among Three Top LeT Militants Killed

Srinagar, May 13:
Security forces achieved a major breakthrough in Jammu and Kashmir’s counterterrorism operations on Tuesday, eliminating three top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants in a fierce gunfight in the dense forests of Keller, Shopian. The joint operation, involving the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police, is being hailed as one of the most significant successes since the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

Among those killed was Shahid Kutte, an “A-category” terrorist and the mastermind behind the April 8 Pahalgam attack in which two German tourists and a local driver were injured after gunmen opened fire near the Danish Resort. Shahid was not only a senior LeT commander but also actively involved in the recruitment of new militants.

The encounter began following specific intelligence inputs confirming the presence of militants in a forest hideout. All three terrorists were neutralized in the exchange of fire. Weapons, grenades, and digital devices were recovered from the site, which are expected to aid further investigations into the LeT network.

Also killed in the operation were Adnan Shafi Dar and Amir Bashir, both classified as “C-category” militants. Adnan was wanted in connection with the killing of a migrant worker on October 18, 2024. Amir was reportedly associated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit of LeT, which had claimed responsibility for the recent Pahalgam attack.

Security officials described the encounter as a decisive blow to the LeT’s operational capabilities in the region. “This marks a critical step in dismantling the terrorist infrastructure. Operations like these will continue until the Valley is completely free from the grip of terrorism,” a senior police official stated.

Authorities have also urged citizens to report any suspicious activity, reaffirming their commitment to rooting out terrorism through coordinated action and public support.