In a significant counter-terror victory, the Indian Army, in joint operations with Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), neutralised six terrorists within just 48 hours across vastly different terrains in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The two separate operations took place in the high-altitude region of Kelar and the rural areas of Pulwama and Tral.
Addressing the media, Major General Dhananjay Joshi, GOC, Victor Force, emphasized the Army’s unrelenting commitment to eliminating terrorism. “Wherever the terrorists hide, we will find them and neutralise them,” he said.
Kelar Operation: Ambush in the Heights
The first operation began on May 12 when the Army received intelligence about a terrorist group hiding in the higher reaches of Kelar. The next morning, security forces observed suspicious movement in the area. As they issued a warning, the terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce encounter. In the exchange, the forces successfully neutralised the threat.
Tral Encounter: Saving Civilians Amid Crossfire
Simultaneously, another high-stakes operation was underway in Tral, where terrorists had taken positions in multiple houses in a border village. As security forces moved to cordon off the area, the terrorists launched a sudden attack, putting civilian lives at risk.
“Our first priority was evacuating the villagers safely,” Major General Joshi said. “Despite the challenging terrain, we managed to rescue the civilians and eliminate three terrorists.”
One of the slain terrorists, Shahid Kutte, was reportedly involved in the assassination of a sarpanch earlier this year and had links to the funding of militant activities. He was also responsible for a previous attack on a German tourist, underlining his role in cross-border terror networks.
Pulwama Strike: Precision in the Plains
Meanwhile, in Pulwama, the Army received intelligence on three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists hiding in a local village. After safely evacuating all civilians, the security forces launched a swift operation and gunned down all three terrorists. They were later identified as Asif Ahmed Sheikh, Amir Nazir Wani, and Yawar Ahmed Bhat—each with a history of terror-related activities.
Unlike the rugged and forested terrain of Tral, the Pulwama operation was carried out on relatively flat land, allowing for a quicker and more precise execution.
Operation Sindoor: A Strategic Shift
These successful missions are part of the broader Operation Sindoor, a new doctrinal approach signaling a proactive shift in India’s counter-terror strategy. The operation focuses on neutralising threats at their roots—regardless of terrain or geography.
“This is a clear message to terror groups and their handlers. We will strike at the heart of terror, wherever it exists,” said a senior officer involved in the operations.
A Firm Stand Against Terror
With elections and Amarnath Yatra season approaching, the timing of these operations underlines India’s resolve to ensure peace and safety in the region. The back-to-back successes in Kelar, Tral, and Pulwama not only demonstrate the operational efficiency of the armed forces but also signal a wider message: that India is taking the fight to the enemy’s doorstep.
