Top LeT operative among two terrorists trapped in Shopian encounter

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Srinagar: A major anti-terror op is ongoing in Jammu & Kashmir’s Shopian district after security forces caught up with two suspected terrorists who are believed to be trapped there.

This encounter started on Saturday evening during a cordon-and-search operation, following specific intelligence reports.

According to security sources, the terrorists in the trap have been identified as Zakir Ahmad Ganie – an alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist from Kulgam – and his accomplice, Latif Bhatt.

Ganie is an A++ category terrorist who is wanted in terror cases.

The investigation has pointed to Ganie’s links to the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack as well as various other incidents targeting security personnel in the Kashmir Valley.

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The anti-terror operation has been launched with joint teams of the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles and Para forces, alongside the special operations group of the Jammu & Kashmir Police.

Security forces had cordoned off the area following inputs about their presence, resulting in a fierce gunfight between both sides.

Authorities have recently come across CCTV footage purportedly showing Ganie walking through Shopian a few weeks back, security sources added.

This footage is being analysed for corroborative purposes, according to officers.

The operation is still on, and no official statement has been made on whether the terrorists have been eliminated or not.

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