In a strong and coordinated effort by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), six terrorists were neutralised in two different anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir. These operations took place in Kelar, Shopian, and Tral, as confirmed by VK Birdi, Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the Kashmir Zone, during a joint press briefing held in Awantipora on Friday.

Speaking at the briefing, IGP VK Birdi emphasized the intensified efforts by the security forces:
“In the wake of heightened terror activities in Kashmir Valley, all the security forces deployed here reviewed their strategies. Following this review, there was an intensified focus on operations. On the basis of this intensified focus and coordination, we conducted two successful operations in the last 48 hours during which we had significant achievement. These two operations were conducted in the Kelar in Shopian and Tral areas, which resulted in the neutralisation of a total of six terrorists. We are committed to finish the terror ecosystem in Kashmir Valley,” he said.

The operations, according to the security forces, were precise and executed with strategic coordination. Major General Dhananjay Joshi, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Victor Force, shed light on the sequence of the events and the challenges they faced during the operations in Kelar and Tral. He stated:
“On May 12, we got information on the possible presence of a terrorist group in the higher reaches in Kelar. On the morning of May 13, on detection of some movement, our parties challenged the terrorists, who retaliated with fire. Our parties neutralised them. The second operation in Tral area was conducted in a border village. As we were laying a cordon at this village, the terrorists positioned themselves in different houses and fired at us. At this time, the challenge we faced was rescuing the civilian villagers. After this, three terrorists were neutralised,” he explained.

He further informed about the identity of one of the neutralised terrorists, highlighting the danger he posed:
“One of the 6 terrorists neutralised, namely Shahid Kuttay was involved in two major attacks, including an attack on a German tourist. He also a hand in funding activities,” the Major General said.

These operations come as a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people, including a Nepali national, lost their lives. This tragic event has prompted Indian forces to step up their counter-terrorism operations across Jammu and Kashmir.

In retaliation to this brutal attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes aimed at destroying terrorist infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). As per reports, nearly 100 terror operatives were eliminated during this operation. The key targets included Bhawalpur, known as the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Muridke, a vital training base of Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The recent developments mark a decisive and firm approach by the Indian forces to dismantle the terror network rooted in the valley and across the border. While the operations reflect precision and planning, they also underline a deeper commitment — to ensure peace and safety for civilians and uproot terrorism from its foundations.