Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, May 16: The security forces on Friday said that a swift and coordinated response by multiple security agencies following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack has resulted in the neutralisation of six terrorists over the past 48 hours in Shopian and Pulwama districts in south Kashmir.
Addressing a press conference in the Police District Awantipora of south Kashmir, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V K Birdi, said such operations are crucial after any terror strike and that the Pahalgam incident triggered an intensified and intelligence-led combing operation across south Kashmir.
“These operations were launched promptly based on credible intelligence. Cooperation among security agencies and rapid follow-up actions ensured terrorists involved were quickly tracked down and neutralised,” Birdi said.
“In the last 48 hours, we successfully conducted two operations—one in the Kelar area of Shopian and another in Tral, Pulwama—resulting in the elimination of six terrorists,” he added.
The IGP reaffirmed the security forces’ resolve to dismantle the terror infrastructure in the region. “We are committed to ending the terror ecosystem here,” he said, highlighting ongoing efforts in coordination with intelligence inputs.
The joint operations were carried out by teams from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, and CRPF, based on specific intelligence about terrorist movements in the respective areas. Arms, ammunition, and other incriminating materials were recovered from the encounter sites.
Birdi urged the public’s cooperation, saying such operations are part of a broader strategy to establish a peaceful, terror-free environment in the valley. “Public support is vital for the success of these anti-terror efforts. Sharing information can make a significant difference,” he appealed.
Major General Dhananjay Joshi, GOC of the Army’s Victor Force, said terrorists attempting to hide, whether in dense forests or within civilian residential areas, will be tracked and eliminated.
He said the two operations differed due to terrain: the Kelar operation was in a challenging, upper forested region, while the Tral operation was in a residential area where civilians were evacuated safely beforehand.
“We will not allow terrorists to find safe havens anywhere in the Valley. Our commitment is clear—we will pursue them wherever they hide,” Major General Joshi said, adding that one of the six terrorists neutralised, Shahid Kuttay, was involved in two major attacks, including an assault on a German tourist.
Regarding the Kelar operation, Joshi said, “On May 12, intelligence indicated a possible terrorist presence in the higher reaches of Kelar. On May 13, surveillance detected movement in the area. When challenged, the terrorists fired upon our troops, leading to a swift encounter and their neutralisation.”
The second operation in Tral was launched based on specific inputs. “As our teams cordoned off the village, terrorists hiding in different houses opened fire. Despite the hostile situation, the forces managed to evacuate civilians safely,” he added.
Shahid Kuttay, a high-profile terrorist involved in multiple attacks, including the assault on a German tourist, and terror funding activities, was among those eliminated.
CRPF Inspector General Mitesh said these successes would not be possible without the support of local residents. “Public cooperation and timely information are vital for such operations,” he said. “Our goal is not only to neutralise terrorism but to establish enduring peace in the region.”
