Six Militants Killed in Kashmir as Security Forces Intensify Operations Post-Pahalgam Attack

In a major crackdown, Indian security forces neutralised six militants in two high-stakes counterterrorism operations in South Kashmir’s Shopian and Tral regions, marking a significant escalation in efforts to curb militancy following the devastating Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives. The operations, conducted jointly by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), underscoring proactive and intelligence-driven strikes to dismantle terrorist networks in the Valley.

Precision Operations in Shopian and Tral

The first operation commenced on May 12 in the rugged terrain of Kelar, Shopian, based on precise intelligence about militant activity. Major General Dhananjay Joshi, General Officer Commanding of the Army’s Victor Force, detailed the encounter: “After confirming movement on May 13, our forces engaged the militants, who opened fire upon being challenged. Three terrorists were eliminated in a swift and decisive response.”

A second, more complex operation unfolded in a densely populated village in Tral, where militants had taken refuge in civilian homes. “Our priority was ensuring the safe evacuation of residents,” Maj Gen Joshi explained. “Despite the challenges, the operation successfully neutralised three additional militants, including Shahid Kuttay, a high-profile terrorist linked to multiple attacks, including one on a German tourist, and suspected of orchestrating terror financing networks.”

Strategic Response to Rising Threats

The operations follow the deadly Pahalgam attack, which prompted a comprehensive reassessment of security strategies in the region. Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Zone), V.K. Birdi, addressed the media in Awantipora, stating, “In response to recent attacks, we have intensified our efforts. These operations reflect our commitment to rooting out terrorism and ensuring safety in the Valley.”
The coordinated efforts of the Army, police, and CRPF highlight a unified approach to counterterrorism, with officials emphasizing a “zero-tolerance” policy. A senior security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, added, “This is part of a sustained campaign to preempt threats and dismantle militant infrastructure, whether driven by local elements or cross-border networks.”

The elimination of six militants, including a key figure like Shahid Kuttay, deals a significant blow to terrorist operations in Kashmir. Authorities remain on high alert, with ongoing operations aimed at preventing further attacks and restoring stability in the region. “Our message is clear,” the senior official concluded. “Those who threaten peace will face unrelenting action.” More than 100 terrorists operating from Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir have been eliminated in ‘Operation Sindoor’, claimed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the nation on Tuesday. To ‘avenge’ the killing of the tourists in Pahalgam, in a historic move, all three verticals- Indian Army, The Air Force and The Navy, in a joint operation, first since 1971 launched ‘operation sindoor’ on May 7, attacking at least 9 terror camps deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir, including Bahawalpur and Rafiqui. These locations were identified as key command centers of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), terrorist groups responsible for major attacks like Pulwama (2019) and Mumbai (2008).​