Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir – May 13, 2025 —In a significant counter-terror operation, Indian security forces gunned down three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists during a fierce encounter in the Keller area of Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday. The operation was launched based on precise intelligence inputs, marking yet another blow to terrorist activity in the restive region.
The Operation: Precision Intelligence, Swift Action
According to an official statement from the Indian Army, the Search and Destroy Operation was launched after receiving specific intelligence from a Rashtriya Rifles Unit about the presence of armed militants in the Shoekal Keller area.
“On 13 May 2025, based on specific intelligence of a Rashtriya Rifles Unit, about presence of terrorists in general area Shoekal Keller, Shopian, Indian Army launched a Search and Destroy Operation,” the Army said.
As the forces closed in, the militants reportedly opened heavy fire, triggering a fierce firefight that continued for several hours. In the exchange, all three “hardcore terrorists” affiliated with LeT were neutralized.
“During the operation, terrorists opened heavy fire and a fierce firefight ensued, which resulted in the elimination of three hardcore terrorists. Operation is in progress,” the Army confirmed.
Ceasefire on Paper, But Tensions Simmering
This encounter comes at a sensitive time, just days after India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire following a sharp rise in cross-border hostilities. The escalation was initially sparked by the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed several civilian and security personnel lives.
Following the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan reportedly launched multiple drone strikes targeting Indian territories across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Although Indian air defence systems successfully intercepted the drones, the incident raised serious concerns about the possibility of a full-scale military confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
Ceasefire Violations Already Reported
Despite the ceasefire agreement, there have already been fresh violations in Srinagar and along other border areas, suggesting that the fragile truce is already under strain.
India’s New Red Line: Terror = War
In response to the ongoing provocations and persistent threats from Pakistan-based terror outfits, the Indian government has formally adopted a no-tolerance policy. A top official in New Delhi has confirmed a significant shift in India’s rules of engagement.
“Any future act of terror in India will be considered an act of war against the country and will be responded to accordingly,” the official said.
This statement marks a hardline stance from the Indian leadership and sets a clear red line for terror groups operating from across the border. It also signals India’s readiness to escalate diplomatically and militarily, if provoked again.
What This Means Going Forward
The Shopian encounter underscores two critical trends:
Persistent terror threats in Kashmir despite political and military de-escalation attempts.
A firm and assertive posture from India, both militarily and diplomatically, against any future cross-border terror incidents.
While the elimination of three LeT operatives is a tactical success, the broader regional context remains volatile. With drone strikes, ceasefire breaches, and hardline rhetoric dominating the current landscape, South Asia remains on edge.
As the Indian Army continues its anti-terror operations in Kashmir and New Delhi tightens its counter-terror doctrine, all eyes will be on Pakistan’s next move and whether the ceasefire can truly hold. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether peace talks can resume — or if another confrontation is looming.
