Shopian, May 14 — The Indian Army on Wednesday confirmed that the three terrorists killed in a fierce encounter in South Kashmir’s Shopian district were directly involved in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
The slain militants — Shahid Kuttay, Adnan Shafi Dar, and Ehsan ul Haq Sheikh — were affiliated with the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and hailed from Shopian district, officials said. Among them, Shahid Kuttay was identified as a top commander, classified under the ‘A’ category — the highest threat level in the security forces’ matrix.
“This operation has neutralised the group responsible for the Pahalgam attack,” a defence official stated. “Their elimination marks a significant breakthrough in our ongoing counterterrorism efforts.”
The encounter, which took place on Tuesday, came amid intensified search and cordon operations in the forested areas of South Kashmir following the Pahalgam ambush that left multiple security personnel injured.
According to a statement from the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, troops recovered AK-series rifles, grenades, a large quantity of ammunition, and other war-like stores from the site.
“The operation’s success is the result of seamless coordination between intelligence inputs and the swift action of security forces,” the Army said.
Officials added that the three men had been under surveillance for their role in cross-district movements and planning attacks on security establishments in the Valley.
Security forces continue to maintain a high alert across the region as part of wider anti-terror operations aimed at dismantling militant networks ahead of the Amarnath Yatra and the summer tourist season.
