A major anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district resulted in the killing of a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist on Wednesday, marking another significant success for security forces in their ongoing efforts to curb terrorism in the Kashmir Valley. The operation, which has been underway since July 3, led to the neutralisation of Zakir Ganie, a wanted LeT operative, while search operations continue to ensure the area is completely secure.
The encounter took place in the dense orchard belt of Meemandar in south Kashmir, an area spanning seven villages that has long posed operational challenges due to its thick vegetation. Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists, security forces launched a coordinated operation and established a tight cordon around the suspected hideout.
According to officials, fresh gunfire was heard from the encounter site on Wednesday, prompting security personnel to retaliate. Following the exchange of fire, the body of the slain terrorist, identified as Zakir Ganie, was recovered from the area. Arms and ammunition were also seized during the operation.
Confirming the development, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said one Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist had been neutralised in a joint operation conducted by the Special Operations Group (SOG) Shopian, the Army's Rashtriya Rifles (RR), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
In a message posted on X, the police stated, "You Can Run, But You Can't Hide! One Lashkar terrorist neutralised by SOG Shopian, in a joint operation along with RR and CRPF."
The anti-terror operation, initially launched in Saidapora village on July 3 following credible intelligence inputs, has now entered its fifth day. Security forces have maintained a strict security cordon around the area while carrying out extensive search and sanitisation operations to ensure no terrorists remain concealed in the orchard belt.
Officials said additional operational details, including the complete inventory of recovered weapons and other evidence, would be shared after the operation concludes and the area is declared fully secure.
Zakir Ganie, a resident of Kulgam district, had reportedly joined Lashkar-e-Taiba in 2024 and had been classified as an A+++ category terrorist on the security forces' wanted list. Intelligence agencies had been tracking his activities due to his alleged involvement in militant operations in south Kashmir.
Earlier in the operation, surveillance cameras had reportedly captured the movement of two terrorists in the orchard area. The suspects were identified as Zakir Ganie and another militant named Latif. As security forces tightened the cordon, the terrorists allegedly opened fire on advancing Army personnel, leading to an intense gunfight.
To prevent any escape, the Army's specialised counter-insurgency formation, Victor Force, deployed additional troops across the surrounding villages. The dense summer foliage, which often provides natural concealment for militants, made the operation particularly challenging. Troops also illuminated large sections of the orchard during night operations to deny the terrorists any opportunity to exploit blind spots or breach the security cordon.
Security experts note that the orchard belt in Shopian has historically presented tactical difficulties because of its thick vegetation, especially during the summer months. The district has also served as an important transit corridor connecting south Kashmir with central Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region, making it strategically significant for both security forces and terrorist groups.
Counter-insurgency operations in such terrain often require prolonged surveillance, coordinated deployment of multiple security agencies, and careful movement to minimise risks to both personnel and civilians.
The latest operation reflects the continued focus of security agencies on dismantling terrorist networks operating in south Kashmir. With one militant neutralised and search operations still underway, officials remain vigilant as efforts continue to eliminate any remaining threats and restore complete security in the area.
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