On 13 May 2025, India eliminated 3 terrorists linked with the Lashkar e Tayaba. In a search and destroy operation conducted by Indian army called the Operation Keller, the terrorists were neutralized.
The operation commenced on specific intel from the Rashtriya Rifles Unit, which proceeded with a joint operation conducted by the Indian Army, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir police.The operation began in the Kulgam district and extended into Shopian, where the terrorists were finally terminated during a heavy exchange of fire.
The development occurred soon after the posters with a reward of Rs 20 lakh in regards to any information on the whereabouts of Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai and Hashim Musa were plastered in the area by the authorities. More on Hashim Musa can be read in these lines here https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/articles/musa-let-and-isi-in-the-aftermath-of-pahalgam-attack/.
Shahid Kuttay, was the son of Mohd Yousuf Kuttay and was a resident of Chotipora Heerpora, Shopian. It is reported that Shahid joined LeT on 8 March 2023 (designated as Cat -A). He was involved in the firing incident at Danish Resort on 8 April 2024, in which two German tourists, and one driver were injured. He was responsible for the killing of BJP Sarpanch at Heerpora, Shopian on 18 May 2024. Also suspected for the killing of TA Personnel at Behibagh, Kulgam on 3 February 2025.
The second terrorist has been identified as Adnan Shafi Dar, son of Mohd Shafi Dar. He was a resident of Wanduna Melhora, Shopian . He is believed have joined LeT 18 Oct 2024. ( LeT, Cat- C). He was involved in the killing of non local labourer at Wachi, Shopian on 18 Oct 2024.
Haris Nazir, reportedly from Pulwama, was also implicated in the April 2024 Danish Resort attack.
The Encounter has taken place, following India’s cross-border counterterrorism offensive — ‘Operation Sindoor’ — on 7 May 2025, during which nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) were obliterated.
Operation Keller is an amped up counterterror campaign in the Valley, confirming India’s zero-tolerance towards cross-border terrorism.
India’s focus has aimed at proactive and preemptive neutralisation of terror threats, both within Jammu and Kashmir and across the LoC.
Operation Keller has affected the Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir, specifically the following areas:
Shopian’s Keller Area: location where the operation was launched based on intelligence inputs about terrorist presence.
Shukroo Keller Forests: A joint team of the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police engaged militants in a fierce gun battle in this area, eliminating three hardcore terrorists.
Alshipora Area of Shopian: Security forces launched a search and destroy operation in this area, leading to a significant encounter.
The Operation Keller is currently ongoing.
