J&K: One LeT Terrorist Killed, Two Trapped In Shopian Encounter Amid Renewed Crackdown On Militancy

At least one Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist was killed on Tuesday during an encounter with security forces in the Zinpather Keller area of Shopian, according to India Today.

Two other terrorists affiliated with the group are believed to be trapped, with a gun battle currently ongoing between them and the security personnel.

Photo Credit: PTI

This incident follows shortly after security forces displayed 'Terror Free Kashmir' posters featuring three Pakistan-backed terrorists - Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai, and Hashim Musa - who are suspected to be involved in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.

The posters were displayed at multiple locations across Shopian district. Authorities have announced a reward of ₹20 lakh for credible information leading to the apprehension of the individuals.

Just days after the Pahalgam attack, Jammu and Kashmir authorities demolished Thoker's residence in Bijbehara using improvised explosive devices on April 25.

Thoker is believed to have played a pivotal role in assisting Pakistani terrorists in carrying out the attack in the scenic Baisaran Valley.

He had crossed into Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border in 2018 and is thought to have re-entered the Kashmir Valley last year.

In his first public remarks since India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Monday that India had merely "paused" its military operations against Pakistan.

He warned that India would respond firmly should there be any further cross-border terror attacks.