Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were arrested in a significant counter-terror operation in Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir, as security forces stepped up their efforts to curb militancy in the region. The joint operation was conducted by the Army’s 44 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Jammu and Kashmir police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at Baskuchan Imamsahib in Shopian.

The arrested terrorists, identified as Irfan Bashir and Uzair Salam, surrendered to the forces, avoiding a potentially deadly encounter. Authorities recovered two AK-56 rifles, four magazines, two hand grenades, ammunition, cash amounting to Rs 5,400, and an Aadhaar card during the operation. The police described the incident as a major success.

“In a major operational success, a cordon and search operation was launched at Baskuchan. The area was effectively cordoned off, and movement of terrorists was observed in a nearby orchard. Swift and strategic action by the forces led to the successful surrender of two LeT hybrid terrorists,” the police statement said.

This operation is part of a renewed focus on south Kashmir’s hot spots following a deadly attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran valley on April 22, which resulted in 26 fatalities. The intensified crackdown aims to dismantle militant networks that have been responsible for several violent incidents in the region.

Earlier this month, security forces killed six terrorists in two separate encounters — three in Shopian’s Keller area and three in Tral’s Nadar area, Pulwama district. Among those eliminated was Shahid Kuttay, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander. Kuttay had been involved in several attacks, including the assault on a local sarpanch in Heerpora, Shopian, and a firing incident on April 8 at Danish Resort that injured two German tourists.

The arrest of Bashir and Salam adds to the momentum of security operations targeting militants responsible for destabilising the region. The surrender prevented casualties and also helped recover significant arms and ammunition that could have been used in future attacks.

Security forces have been focusing on disrupting Lashkar-e-Taiba’s activities in south Kashmir, employing coordinated search operations and intelligence-led raids to tighten the noose around militants.

The situation in Kashmir remains tense, with ongoing efforts by security agencies to maintain peace and prevent further militant violence. The Shopian arrests highlight the resolve of the Indian security forces to root out terrorism and restore normalcy in the region.

IT.