Indian Army Eliminates 6 Terrorists in Pulwama and Shopian in 48 Hours: Major Blow to Lashkar and Jaish

KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant crackdown on terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army has neutralized six terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in two separate encounters conducted over the last 48 hours. These anti-terror operations were carried out in the volatile districts of Pulwama (Awantipora) and Shopian, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to wiping out terrorism from the Kashmir Valley.

Security forces described the back-to-back operations as a “major strategic success”, especially considering the rising summer infiltration threats across the Line of Control (LoC).

Awantipora Encounter: Three Jaish Terrorists Killed in Pulwama

On Thursday morning, May 15, 2025, security forces launched a search and cordon operation in the Nader village of Awantipora in Pulwama district following intelligence inputs about terrorist presence. A fierce gunbattle ensued, resulting in the killing of three Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operatives.

 Identities Confirmed:

1. Asif Ahmed Sheikh

2. Amir Nazir Wani

3. Yawar Ahmed Bhat

All three were residents of Pulwama district and were known to be active in the area for several months.

According to officials, the slain militants were planning a high-profile attack on security installations in South Kashmir and had been under surveillance for some time. Their elimination is being seen as a preventive victory for the security grid.

 Shopian Operation: Three Lashkar Terrorists Eliminated

Two days prior, on Tuesday, May 13, another high-stakes encounter unfolded in the Keller area of Shopian district, where security forces successfully neutralized three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists.

 Two Identified Among the Dead:

1. Shahid Kutte

2. Adnan Shafi

Notable Background:

• Shahid Kutte joined LeT in 2023. He was involved in several deadly incidents including:

  • April 8, 2024: Attack on foreign tourists at Danish Resort

  • May 2024: Assassination of a BJP sarpanch in Heerpora, Shopian

• Adnan Shafi joined the terrorist group in 2024 and was involved in the targeted killing of a migrant laborer in the Wachi area of Shopian.

The identity of the third terrorist is yet to be confirmed but is suspected to be a Pakistani national, according to preliminary inputs from security agencies.

 Recovered Arms and Ammunition

From both operations, the security forces recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition, which included:

• Three AK-47 assault rifles

• Several magazines and live rounds

• Grenades and communication devices

• Propaganda material and mobile phones

According to intelligence officers, the materials recovered will be forensically analyzed to track the broader terror network and possible cross-border links.

Army’s Statement: “Zero Tolerance for Terror”

A senior Army official overseeing operations in South Kashmir stated:

“The back-to-back successful encounters in Shopian and Pulwama demonstrate the Indian Army’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. These terrorists were involved in attacks on civilians and security forces alike. Their elimination sends a strong message to all anti-national elements.”

He added that the security forces acted with precision and minimum collateral damage, ensuring that no civilian life was endangered during the operations.

 Increased Terror Activity and Infiltration Alerts

Sources within the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Jammu and Kashmir Police have flagged an uptick in terrorist movement and infiltration attempts as summer approaches. This season typically sees increased activity from Pakistani handlers trying to send infiltrators across the LoC.

The recent encounters are a part of preemptive counter-terror operations aimed at disrupting terrorist modules before they can strike.

 Local Reactions and Civilian Safety

The local administration in both Shopian and Pulwama confirmed that the operations were completed without any civilian casualties. Temporary restrictions under Section 144 CrPC were enforced during the operations to avoid gatherings and maintain law and order.

Residents of Nader village and Keller area appreciated the security forces for conducting the encounters swiftly, though fear and tension remain high due to the proximity of such high-risk operations.

 Terror Timeline: Recent Attacks Linked to Eliminated Militants

Authorities have linked the slain militants to a series of recent terrorist incidents in Kashmir, including:

• Targeted killings of non-local workers

• Attacks on political figures and village representatives

• Grenade attacks on police pickets and patrol vehicles

The data confirms that the eliminated terrorists were part of operational modules designed for swift, high-impact attacks.

 Strategic Analysis: Why These Eliminations Matter

Military analysts suggest that these operations carry both tactical and symbolic value:

• Tactical: Disrupting potential attack plans before they are executed

• Symbolic: Reinforcing India’s stance that no terrorist will be spared, regardless of location or affiliation

Additionally, by eliminating local recruits, security agencies aim to reduce the influence of extremist propaganda among youth in the Valley.

 Home Ministry Response

Reacting to the encounters, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Home Affairs stated:

“The Government of India commends the security forces for their swift and decisive action. Every terrorist killed is a step towards peace in Jammu and Kashmir. We remain committed to the security and development of the region.”

 Upcoming Measures and Preparedness

Security agencies are now planning:

• Increased patrolling across infiltration-prone zones

• Use of drone surveillance for tracking hideouts

• Community policing initiatives to identify radicalization patterns

• Reinforcement of intelligence networks through human and technical means

The elimination of six dangerous terrorists in a span of just 48 hours is a powerful message to terror networks operating in and around Kashmir. As the Indian Army continues its offensive strategy against both foreign and local terrorists, the broader objective remains clear: restoration of lasting peace and security in Jammu and Kashmir.