Srinagar, July 5, 2026

Security forces have continued their anti-terror operation for a second consecutive day in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district, where two local Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists remain trapped inside a densely forested orchard in the Meemander area. The operation reflects the sustained efforts of security agencies to eliminate active militant networks and strengthen security in South Kashmir, a region that has long witnessed militant activity.

The joint operation, involving the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), began after the movement of the two terrorists was detected through technical surveillance on Friday. When an Army search team advanced into the area on Saturday, the terrorists allegedly opened indiscriminate fire, prompting a retaliatory response from the security forces and triggering an encounter. Although some unverified reports initially claimed that both militants had been killed, officials clarified on Sunday that the operation remains underway, with the entire area sealed to prevent any escape.

According to intelligence and security agencies, the trapped terrorists have been identified as local residents of Kulgam district in South Kashmir. One of them, Zakir Ganie, is a Lashkar-e-Taiba operative classified in the A++ category and has been active in the Valley since 2024. He is wanted in multiple terror-related cases, and an NIA court in Kulgam had issued a proclamation notice against him in October 2025. To overcome the challenges posed by the dense orchard, the Army's specialised Victor Force has taken charge of the operation. High-beam lights have been installed to prevent movement during the night, while four nearby villages were evacuated and the security cordon further reinforced.

The ongoing operation is considered strategically significant as Shopian has historically served as a key transit corridor linking South Kashmir with the Pir Panjal region. Security agencies believe that dismantling the network of local Lashkar commanders operating in the area could weaken the group's logistical support system and curb fresh militant recruitment. As the operation continues, security forces remain focused on ensuring that the trapped terrorists are either captured or neutralised while maintaining strict control over the area.