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Following the devastating Pahalgam terror attack on April 22nd, a series of robust counter-terrorism operations conducted by security forces have resulted in the elimination of 21 terrorists in six separate encounters across the volatile region of Jammu and Kashmir. These decisive operations, executed through the collaborative efforts of the Indian Army, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Border Security Force (BSF), and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, were strategically aimed at dismantling both foreign terrorist elements and locally recruited militants, significantly impacting the overall security landscape of the region. The operations highlight a concerted effort by Indian security forces to maintain stability and counter the persistent threat of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The coordinated approach, involving multiple security agencies, reflects a unified strategy to address the complex challenges posed by various terrorist groups operating in the area. Furthermore, the focus on both foreign and local terrorists underscores the multifaceted nature of the threat and the need for a comprehensive counter-terrorism response. The successful elimination of 21 terrorists in a relatively short period demonstrates the effectiveness of the security forces' operational capabilities and their commitment to neutralizing terrorist threats. The precision and coordination displayed in these operations suggest a well-trained and highly motivated security apparatus dedicated to safeguarding the lives and property of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
A detailed breakdown of these operations reveals a targeted and intelligence-driven approach. Operation Akhal, conducted in Kulgam, resulted in the elimination of three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists: Zakir Ahmed Gani, Adil Rehman Dentu, and Harish Dar. Security forces indicated that this particular group had been actively involved in local recruitment efforts and providing logistical support for cross-border infiltration, highlighting their critical role in sustaining terrorist activities. The encounter in the Samba sector witnessed BSF troops eliminating seven Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists, all of whom were Pakistani nationals. This operation proved to be one of the most significant blows dealt to the JeM network in recent months, effectively disrupting their operational capabilities. In Shopian's Kellar Forest, another successful encounter neutralized three key LeT terrorists: Shahid Kutte, Adnan Shafi Dar, and Aamir Bashir. Shahid Kutte, a Category-A terrorist, was implicated in several high-profile incidents, including the 2024 resort shooting that injured foreign tourists and the assassination of a BJP sarpanch. An operation in the Tral forest area led to the elimination of three Jaish-e-Mohammed militants, identified as Asif Ahmed Sheikh, Aamir Nazir Wani, and Yawar Ahmed Bhatt. These terrorists were reportedly involved in reactivating sleeper cells in southern Kashmir, posing a significant threat to regional stability. Further operations, codenamed Operation Mahadev in Mulnar village and Operation Shivshakti in the Poonch region, resulted in the killing of three Pakistani LeT terrorists and two Pakistani LeT infiltrators, respectively. Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that the terrorists eliminated in Operation Mahadev were responsible for the Pahalgam massacre, underscoring the direct link between these operations and the effort to bring those responsible for the attack to justice. The meticulous planning and execution of these operations demonstrate the security forces' commitment to proactively addressing terrorist threats and preventing future attacks.
The elimination of these terrorists has had a tangible impact on the overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. According to intelligence sources, the number of active local terrorists has decreased significantly following these operations. However, a handful of local operatives remain active, including Ahsan Ahmed Shaikh, Asif Ahmed Khande, Naseer Ahmad Wani, Zubair Ahmed Wani alias Abu Ubaida alias Usman, Aaron Rashid Ganai, and Adil Hussain. Security forces continue to monitor their activities closely and are committed to neutralizing their threat. A significant development in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack has been the explicit identification of The Resistance Front (TRF) by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as being responsible for the terror attack. This marks the first time TRF, a proxy group linked to the Pakistan-based LeT, has been named in any formal United Nations document, despite strong diplomatic resistance from Pakistan. The UNSC report explicitly cited TRF's claim of responsibility for the Pahalgam attack and highlighted the strong suspicions of several member states that the attack could not have occurred without the support of Lashkar-e-Taiba. In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), signaling a firm commitment to addressing the root causes of terrorism and preventing cross-border attacks. The inclusion of TRF in the UN report serves as a strong rebuke to Pakistan's attempts to manipulate language in official UNSC documents and reinforces the international community's recognition of the threat posed by Pakistan-based terrorist groups and their proxies.
The coordinated counter-terrorism efforts, the intelligence-driven operations, and the international recognition of TRF's involvement in the Pahalgam attack collectively represent a significant step forward in the fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The successful elimination of numerous terrorists, the reduction in the number of active local operatives, and the increased international scrutiny of Pakistan-based terrorist groups all contribute to a more secure and stable environment in the region. However, the fight against terrorism is an ongoing challenge, and the security forces remain vigilant and committed to maintaining peace and security in Jammu and Kashmir. The focus on dismantling terrorist networks, preventing cross-border infiltration, and addressing the underlying causes of radicalization is essential for achieving long-term stability in the region. The collaborative efforts of security forces, intelligence agencies, and the international community are crucial for effectively countering the evolving threat of terrorism and ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The ongoing operations and the international spotlight on terrorist groups underscore the importance of sustained vigilance and a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex challenges posed by terrorism in the region. The commitment of the Indian government and security forces to maintaining peace and security in Jammu and Kashmir remains unwavering, and the efforts to counter terrorism will continue with renewed vigor and determination.
Source: After Pahalgam Attack, 21 Terrorists Killed In 6 Separate J&K Encounters