A key Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander, Zakir Ganai, has been killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district, marking a major breakthrough in an anti-terror operation that entered its fifth day on Wednesday.

Ganai, classified as an A++ category terrorist by security agencies, was among two LeT terrorists spotted by surveillance cameras in a dense orchard on July 3. Security forces have recovered his body and are continuing operations to locate the second terrorist, identified as Latif Bhatt.

Security Forces Recover Body Of LeT Commander

Security forces recovered Ganai’s body following the encounter in Shopian, confirming the death of the LeT commander.

The two terrorists had first been detected through surveillance cameras on July 3 while hiding in a densely vegetated orchard.

Ganai’s killing marked the first major breakthrough in the operation, which has continued for five days because of difficult terrain and heavy foliage in the area.

Security agencies had classified Ganai as an A++ category terrorist.

Search Operation Continues For Latif Bhatt

Following Ganai’s death, security forces have intensified efforts to locate Latif Bhatt, the second LeT terrorist believed to be hiding in the area.

The ongoing combing operation covers seven villages as security personnel search the orchard and surrounding locations.

A joint force comprising several columns of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has maintained a tight cordon around the area.

Officials had earlier said an exchange of gunfire took place as security personnel closed in on the terrorists.

Victor Force Seals Exit Routes Through Dense Orchards

The Army’s specialised counter-insurgency unit, Victor Force, has sealed possible escape routes through the thick orchard foliage.

Security forces have also illuminated the area to improve visibility and prevent the remaining terrorist from exploiting the darkness and vegetation to escape.

Heavy foliage during the summer months provides natural cover and makes surveillance operations difficult.

Officials said trapped terrorists can use blind spots created by dense vegetation to attempt to break security cordons.

Both Terrorists Were Residents Of Kulgam

According to security records, Ganai and Bhatt were residents of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

Ganai had reportedly been associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba since 2024, while Bhatt joined the terrorist organisation last year.

Security forces are continuing the operation to locate Bhatt and secure the surrounding villages.

Shopian Remains Key Transit Corridor In Kashmir

Shopian has historically served as an important transit corridor connecting south Kashmir with central Kashmir and the Pir Panjal range.

The district’s mountainous terrain, forests and dense orchards can provide routes for terrorist movement and complicate surveillance and counter-terror operations.

Security forces continue to maintain a cordon across the area as the operation to locate the remaining LeT terrorist remains underway.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share