Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district neutralised an A+-category Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist during an encounter in the Kathohalan village on Wednesday morning. The operation, which began Tuesday night, involved personnel from the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The neutralised individual has been identified by authorities as Zakir alias Ghazi, a prominent figure within the Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit. Ghazi was a designated A+-category terrorist, indicating his significant involvement in militant activities and his status as a high-priority target for security agencies operating in the region.

The joint operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in Kathohalan village. Security personnel established a cordon around the suspected area, initiating a search operation. During this process, contact was made with the terrorist, leading to an exchange of fire. The encounter concluded with the neutralisation of Zakir alias Ghazi.

Authorities reported that Ghazi had a documented history of involvement in multiple terror-related crimes across the region. Notably, he was linked to an attack on migrant labourers in Shopian that occurred on July 13. His neutralisation is considered a significant success in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts aimed at disrupting militant networks in Jammu and Kashmir.

  • Operation Details: A joint effort involving the Army, J&K Police, and CRPF.
  • Location: Kathohalan village, Shopian district, Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Terrorist Affiliation: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
  • Recoveries: Following the operation, security forces recovered an AK-47 rifle, a pistol, and other incriminating material from the site of the encounter.

Officials reiterated the resolve of security forces to continue their operations against militant elements in the Union Territory. A spokesperson for the security forces stated, "You can run but can't hide," emphasizing the continuous pursuit of terrorists to maintain peace and stability in the region. Further investigations into the incident and Ghazi's network are underway. The area was thoroughly sanitised post-encounter to ensure no further threats.