JAMMU: Five days ago, surveillance cameras installed by security forces showed two terrorists moving around in an orchard in the Shopian district of south Kashmir, once notorious for terrorism-related incidents. The police, the Army and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) then put in a cordon around some orchards, mostly growing apples, and lush green these days, providing natural cover. On the morning of July 8, they got a major success when they gunned down Zakir Ganai, a top Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorist.
Infinite patience, maintaining vigil at nights lest the terrorists slip away by breaking the cordon, keeping the personnel supplied with enough ammunition and taking care of other logistical needs were the challenges the security forces faced. In such situations, it has sometimes happened in the past that some terrorists get caught in cordon and search operations but later manage to slip away due to terrain, dense foliage and such other things. It did not end up like that in this case.
Due to ongoing Shri Amarnath yatra, security forces have been deployed in most districts of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu & Kashmir. Besides, senior officials, including the new Army chief and DGP of police have been personally visiting most security personnel to review security arrangements. This has led to a very heightened state of alert and leaves very little margin for terrorists to operate.
Zakir Ganai was one of the two terrorists who were first spotted by surveillance cameras on July 3 in a dense orchard in the area. The security forces have recovered his body. He was classified as an A++ category terrorist by the security agencies.
With Zakir confirmed dead, the search operation continues for locating and neutralising second LeT terrorist identified as Latif Bhatt who was seen accompanying Zakir. The area where the combing operations, slow, deliberate and very risky, are underway in areas encompassing at least seven villages.
You Can Run But You Can't Hide !
One Lashkar terrorist neutralised by SOG Shopian, in a Jt Op, along with RR and CRPF.
— J&K Police (@JmuKmrPolice) July 8, 2026
A joint team comprising the police, the Army and the CRPF jawans has maintained a tight cordon around the area. Earlier in the morning on Wednesday, terrorists fired upon the security forces as they were closing combing the area.
All possible exit routes remain under watch of personnel drawn from Army’s Victor Force, and the area has been lit up to enhance visibility. According to intelligence, both Zakir Ganai and Latif Bhat hail from Kulgam district. While Zakir had reportedly been associated with the LeT since 2024, Latif joined the outfit last year.
Historically, Shopian has served as a critical transit corridor connecting south Kashmir to central Kashmir and the Pir Panjal range. The Mughal Road runs through Shopian, Pir ki Gali top and then onwards to Poonch.
