At least three Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Zinpather Keller area of Shopian on May 13, according to sources. Two other terrorists from the group are believed to be trapped, and an exchange of fire is ongoing between the remaining militants and security agencies.
This development follows the recent placement of ‘Terror-Free Kashmir’ posters by security agencies, featuring three Pakistan-backed terrorists—Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai, and Hashim Musa. These individuals are believed to be responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The posters were displayed at multiple locations across the Shopian district, and a reward of Rs 20 lakh was offered for any credible information leading to their capture.
Just days after the Pahalgam attack, J&K authorities demolished the residence of Adil Hussain Thoker in Bijbehara on April 25, using IEDs. Thoker is believed to have played a significant role in aiding Pakistani terrorists in executing the attack on Baisaran Valley. Thoker had crossed the Attari-Wagah border into Pakistan in 2018 and later infiltrated back into the Valley last year.
In his first public address following India’s Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning on May 12, stating that India had only “paused” its military actions against Pakistan and would retaliate forcefully in the event of any future terror attacks from across the border.
“We will closely monitor every move of Pakistan,” Prime Minister Modi stated, warning, “The Pakistani Army and government’s support for terrorism will eventually lead to Pakistan’s destruction.”
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India initiated Operation Sindoor, targeting several terror camps of Lashkar, Hizbul, and Jaish within Pakistan. This led to a four-day armed standoff between the two nuclear-armed nations, before both sides agreed on Saturday evening to “pause” all military operations.
