By The Sampadak Express
In a significant development amid heightened tensions in the region, three terrorists were neutralized by Indian security forces during an intense encounter in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, May 13. The operation, which began in Kulgam and later shifted to the forested region of Shoekal Keller in Shopian, remains ongoing as forces continue to search for a possible fourth terrorist.
Acting on precise intelligence provided by a Rashtriya Rifles unit, Indian Army personnel, along with paramilitary forces, launched a search and destroy mission in the early hours. The terrorists opened heavy fire, prompting a fierce exchange that lasted over two hours, ultimately resulting in the elimination of three “hardcore terrorists,” according to the Indian Army’s statement on X (formerly Twitter).
Backdrop of Operation Sindoor
This latest operation follows closely on the heels of Operation Sindoor, India’s powerful counter-offensive launched in response to the brutal Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians dead. The Indian government has characterized this new phase in its counterterrorism strategy as a “new normal.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a televised address to the nation on Monday, asserted India’s firm resolve to confront terrorism on its own terms. “India will give a befitting response at every place from where the roots of terrorism emerge,” he stated. “We will no longer tolerate nuclear blackmail and will respond with precision and decisiveness.”
PM Modi also condemned Pakistan’s alleged role in sheltering and honoring terrorists. “The world has once again seen the face of state-sponsored terrorism, when top Pakistani military officials were seen bidding farewell to slain terrorists,” he said.
Escalation and Ceasefire
On May 7, India launched precision airstrikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), triggering a sharp escalation. Pakistan retaliated with heavy shelling and drone attacks on Indian civilian areas. While India’s air defence systems intercepted most of the incoming threats, casualties were reported on both sides.
India responded by striking key Pakistani military installations, reportedly causing significant damage. A ceasefire was declared on May 10, but Indian forces remain on high alert, with officials warning of swift action against any future provocation.
As the situation in Shopian unfolds, authorities have urged residents to remain indoors and cooperate with security personnel as the combing operation continues.
