Operation Keller: 3 Terrorists Killed in J and K Encounter
Three Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, including key accused in recent attacks, were killed by Indian forces in a gunfight during Operation Keller in Shopian.
Three terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed in a gunfight with Indian security forces in the forest area of Shukroo Keller in Shopian district on Tuesday.
The operation, called "Operation Keller", was launched after the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles unit got specific information about the presence of terrorists hiding in the dense forest of the Shukroo Keller area.
As the forces started searching the area, the terrorists suddenly opened fire. The soldiers quickly responded, and the firing continued for some time, leading to the death of all three terrorists.
Police confirmed the identity of two terrorists:
1. Shahid Kuttay:
- He was involved in the firing at Danish Resort on 8 April 2024, where 2 German tourists and a driver were injured.
- He also killed a BJP Sarpanch in Heerpora, Shopian on 18 May 2024.
- He was suspected in the killing of a TA jawan in Kulgam on 3 February 2025.
- Shahid is believed to be the mastermind behind the recent Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April 2025.
2. Adnan Shafi Da:
- He joined Lashkar-e-Taiba on 18 October 2024.
- He was involved in the killing of a worker in Wachi, Shopian.
The identity of the third terrorist is not yet confirmed.
This encounter happened shortly after security agencies released posters of three Pakistani terrorists — Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai, and Hashim Musa — who are also believed to be behind the Pahalgam attack. A reward of ?20 lakh has been announced for information that leads to their capture or killing.
The search for those behind the Pahalgam terror attack is still going on.
