Srinagar, May 13: Three terrorists were gunned down on Tuesday in a fierce encounter with joint security forces in the Keller area of Shopian district, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, launched after specific intelligence inputs, targeted a group of terrorists hiding in the Shukroo Keller region.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V. K. Birdi, confirmed the elimination of three terrorists, stating, “The operation is ongoing and identification of the slain terrorists is yet to be completed.” A cordon and search operation (CASO) had been initiated by joint forces, including the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF, after inputs suggested the presence of 2–3 terrorists in the area.
The terrorists opened heavy fire when challenged by the forces, triggering a gunfight that led to their neutralization. According to an Indian Army statement, a “search and destroy” mission was carried out, and “three hardcore terrorists were eliminated in a fierce firefight.”
Security forces have sealed the area, and combing operations are continuing to rule out any further threats.
This encounter marks the second major terrorist-related incident in Jammu and Kashmir following the ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan on May 11. On the same evening, suspected terrorists opened fire near the Army’s Nagrota Corps headquarters, injuring one soldier. The attackers fled the scene after the assault.
Amid rising tensions, security has been heightened across the Union Territory. The Pakistan Army had reportedly violated the recent ceasefire agreement just days earlier, raising fears of renewed hostilities.
Authorities have urged residents of border areas along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) to refrain from returning home until the situation is fully under control. Forces remain on high alert to prevent further escalation.
