Was the Top LeT Commander Among Three Terrorists Killed in J&K?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shahid Kuttay, a top LeT commander, was killed in Shopian.
- The operation was part of a larger anti-terror initiative in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Intelligence inputs led to the successful Cordon and Search Operation.
- Security forces are on high alert following recent violence.
- Residents are advised against returning to border areas for safety.
Srinagar, May 13 (NationPress) - In a significant achievement for the combined forces in Jammu and Kashmir, the operational chief commander of the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has been confirmed among the three terrorists eliminated during a gun battle on Tuesday in the Shopian district.
According to police reports, the operational Chief Commander of LeT, Shahid Kuttay, was one of the three terrorists eliminated in today’s encounter in the Shukroo Keller area of Shopian.
Shahid Kuttay, hailing from Chotipora Heerpora village in Shopian, was regarded as one of the most wanted terrorists, having joined terrorist ranks on March 8, 2023. He was implicated in numerous terror-related incidents.
He was linked to the firing incident at the Danish resort on April 8, 2024, which resulted in injuries to two German tourists and their driver. Kuttay was also involved in the assassination of a BJP Sarpanch and a personnel from the Territorial Army at Beighbagh Kulgam.
The second terrorist has been identified as Adnan Shafi Dar, son of Mohd Shafi Dar, a resident of Wanduna Melhora. The identity of the third is currently being verified,” police stated.
Three terrorists were neutralized in the gunfight with joint forces in the Keller area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district.
V. K. Birdi, the Inspector General of Police (Kashmir), informed reporters that the joint forces had initiated a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the Shukroo Keller area of Shopian following intelligence inputs suggesting that a group of terrorists was concealed there.
When confronted, the terrorists opened fire, triggering an encounter which led to the elimination of three terrorists.
The operation is ongoing in the area, according to police. Sources indicate that two to three terrorists may still be trapped in the vicinity.
The Indian Army, in a statement, indicated that a search and destroy operation was launched based on specific intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists in Shoekal Keller.
During this operation, the terrorists unleashed heavy gunfire, resulting in a fierce exchange that culminated in the elimination of three hardcore terrorists, it noted.
The Indian Army confirmed, “The operation is still in progress.”
This incident marks the second act of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir following the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan on May 11.
On the same evening, suspected terrorists targeted a guard at the entrance of the Army's Nagrota Corps headquarters, injuring one soldier before escaping.
Security forces remain vigilant across Jammu and Kashmir as the Pakistan Army violated the ceasefire agreement on Saturday, despite both nations announcing a cessation of hostilities across land, air, and sea.
Authorities have advised numerous residents in border areas along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) to refrain from returning home until the situation stabilizes.