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In a significant counter-terrorism operation, the Indian Army, in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), neutralized three terrorists affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF), in the Keller area of Shopian district, Jammu and Kashmir, on May 13, 2025. Among the slain militants was Shahid Kuttay, a top commander of LeT and the mastermind behind the recent Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
Operation Keller: A Precision Strike
Acting on specific intelligence inputs from the Rashtriya Rifles unit, the Indian Army launched a cordon and search operation in the Shukroo Keller area. As the forces approached, they faced heavy gunfire from the terrorists, leading to a fierce encounter. The operation culminated in the elimination of three hardcore terrorists, including Kuttay.
Kuttay, a resident of Chotipora Heerpora in Shopian, had joined the terror ranks in March 2023 and was categorized as an “A” grade terrorist. Another slain terrorist was identified as Adnan Shafi, involved in the killing of a non-local laborer in Wachi, Shopian, in 2024. The identity of the third terrorist is yet to be confirmed.
Link to Pahalgam Terror Attack
Kuttay was the chief of The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of LeT, and the mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists. His elimination marks a significant achievement in India’s ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating in the region.
Swarajyamag
Strategic Implications
Operation Keller follows closely on the heels of Operation Sindoor, where India conducted precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These operations signify a shift in India’s counter-terrorism strategy, emphasizing proactive and intelligence-driven measures to neutralize threats.
The successful execution of Operation Keller underscores the Indian Army’s enhanced capabilities in conducting targeted operations with minimal collateral damage. It also sends a clear message to terrorist organizations and their sponsors about India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
Public Sentiment and National Unity
The operation has been met with widespread approval across the nation, bolstering public confidence in the security forces. Citizens have lauded the bravery and efficiency of the armed forces in executing such a high-stakes operation without any reported civilian casualties. This success story reinforces the unity and resilience of the Indian populace in the face of terrorism.
Conclusion
Operation Keller represents a pivotal moment in India’s counter-terrorism efforts, highlighting the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and ensuring the safety of its citizens. The elimination of high-profile terrorists like Shahid Kuttay not only disrupts the operational capabilities of terror outfits but also serves as a deterrent to future threats.
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