Srinagar: The major operation of security forces against two terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir continued for the second day on Sunday. After stopping the operation overnight for strategic reasons, the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF resumed the joint operation on Sunday morning. Security agencies have completely surrounded a dense garden in Mimandar area, where both the terrorists are suspected to be hiding.
How did the operation start?
According to officials, security agencies were alerted after the movements of two suspected terrorists were seen in surveillance cameras on Friday. After this a search operation was started in the area. On Saturday, when an army team moved towards a suspicious location, the terrorists opened fire on it. The encounter started with retaliatory action, which continued till Sunday.
Who are the surrounded terrorists?
Security agencies have identified both the terrorists as Zakir and Latif. Both are said to be residents of Kulgam district of South Kashmir. According to preliminary investigation, Zakir has been associated with the banned terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba since the year 2024, while Latif had taken membership of the organization last year.
Were all escape routes closed?
The security forces have further strengthened the cordon of the entire area to prevent the terrorists from escaping by taking advantage of the cover of dense gardens and trees. Additional soldiers of the Army’s Victor Force have also been deployed. To maintain vigil at night, special lighting arrangements have been made in the area, so that any activity can be immediately monitored.
How many villages were searched?
According to officials, by Saturday evening the security forces had completed the search of four nearby villages. After this, the scope of the operation was limited and focused on the area where both the terrorists were reported to be hiding. Several teams of Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF are jointly engaged in the operation.
Why is this campaign important for security agencies?
Shopian has long been seen as a sensitive route connecting South Kashmir, Central Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region. Security agencies believe that such operations are very important to break the network of local terrorists and stop the recruitment mechanism. According to officials, Zakir has been declared a Category A terrorist by the security agencies. He is wanted in several terrorist cases and in the year 2025, the special court of NIA has also issued a proclamation notice against him.
At present, high alert is in force in the entire area. Security forces have clarified that the operation will continue until both the terrorists are arrested or killed and the entire area is declared safe.
