In a significant development for security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander was killed. This comes amid an ongoing encounter in the forested region of Shukroo Keller in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. According to reports, the gunfight erupted after a cordon and search operation (CASO) was launched in the area. This was based on specific intelligence inputs.
Encounter in Shukroo Keller Forests
On early Tuesday morning, the security personnel cordoned off the Shukroo Keller area. This follows the lead on the presence of armed terrorists in that region. However, the operation escalated into a gunfight when the terrorists opened fire on the approaching troops.
Amid the heavy firing from both sides one LeT terrorist has been confirmed dead. Meanwhile, two others are believed to be trapped as the exchange of fire continued from each side.
LeT Terrorists Linked to Pahalgam Attack
The encounter of these two LeT terrorists comes shortly after authorities circulated ‘Terror Free Kashmir’ posters. These posters were circulated across Shopian and surrounding districts. The posters feature three wanted terrorists. Namely, Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai, and Hashim Musa. All are believed to be behind the April 22’s deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. The attack in Baisaran Valley claimed the lives of 26 innocent people, mostly tourists.
The officials claim that Adil Hussain Thoker was a former Valley resident who crossed into Pakistan in 2018. He allegedly infiltrated back in 2024. He played a key role in aiding Pakistani terrorists during the Pahalgam attack. Adil’s house in Bijbehara was demolished by authorities on April 25, 2025. The authorities used IEDs as a punitive measure to destroy his residence.
Posters and Bounty Announced
In a bold move and strong statement against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, the security agencies posted images and details of the three militants. These images were shared across southern Kashmir. Authorities are also offering a bounty of Rs 20 lakh for any credible information that might lead to their capture or neutralisation. This campaign declares unity in the region’s fight against terrorism. The motto of the campaign states “Kashmir is united in the war against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.”
According to reports prior to the current operation, sketches of three Pakistani nationals were also released in the region. These three are suspected to be involved in multiple terror incidents. They are identified by code names Moosa, Yunus, and Asif. However, their real names are Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha. Intelligence sources suggest that these individuals are also linked to past terror-related violence in Poonch.
Meanwhile, the encounter in Shopian remains active, with forces maintaining a tight cordon in the area. Further updates are awaited as the operation progresses.
