Awantipora (Jammu and Kashmir) [India]: An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Nader, Tral area of Awantipora on Thursday morning, the Jammu and Kashmir police confirmed in a statement.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Kashmir Zone Police posted:
“Encounter has started at Nader, Tral area of Awantipora. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow.”
Authorities are yet to release information regarding the number of terrorists involved or possible casualties. The area has been cordoned off, and a search and elimination operation is underway. More updates are expected as the operation progresses.
Three Lashkar-e-Taiba Terrorists Neutralised in Shopian
The Tral encounter comes just two days after security forces eliminated three terrorists affiliated with the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in a separate operation in the Shukroo forest area of Keller, Shopian in South Kashmir.
According to intelligence sources, two of the three slain terrorists have been positively identified:
🔴 Shahid Kuttay
- Affiliation: Category A LeT operative
- Resident of: Chotipora Heerpora, Shopian
- Known Involvement:
- April 8, 2024: Involved in firing at Danish Resort, Srinagar, injuring two German tourists and one driver.
- May 18, 2024: Involved in the killing of a BJP Sarpanch at Heerpora.
- February 3, 2025: Suspected involvement in the killing of a Territorial Army soldier at Behibagh, Kulgam.
- Joined LeT: March 8, 2023
🔴 Adnan Shafi Dar
- Affiliation: Category C LeT operative
- Resident of: Wanduna Melhora, Shopian
- Known Involvement:
- October 18, 2024: Involved in the killing of non-local labourers in Wachi, Shopian.
- Joined LeT: October 18, 2024
The identity of the third terrorist is currently being verified by authorities.
Escalating Militancy and Security Response in South Kashmir
The back-to-back encounters underscore a sharp uptick in terrorist activity across South Kashmir, particularly in Shopian and Pulwama districts, with security forces ramping up their efforts to neutralize high-value operatives involved in targeted killings and cross-border terror activities.
The encounters come in the backdrop of India’s recent Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack last month that claimed 26 lives. The operation involved precision strikes targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
Conclusion
The renewed encounters and ongoing high-level counter-terror operations reflect the Indian security establishment’s heightened alertness and resolve to dismantle terror networks active in Jammu and Kashmir. With significant operatives already neutralized, forces continue to act swiftly on actionable intelligence, especially in known hotbeds of militancy.
Further updates on the Tral encounter are awaited as the situation unfolds.