An unidentified body was found at the encounter site in Shopian district, Jammu and Kashmir, by security forces. The discovery was made during an ongoing anti-terror operation in the Chanapora area. Arms and ammunition were also located near the body, with fresh gunshots heard prompting a thorough search of the area.
The deceased’s identity is yet to be confirmed, and authorities are conducting a detailed search as part of the operation. The joint security forces initiated the anti-terror operation five days earlier based on specific intelligence inputs regarding terrorist presence in the region. Two local terrorists from the Lashkar-e-Taiba group, identified as Latif and Zakir, were believed to be trapped in the cordoned-off area.
Specialized counter-insurgency personnel from the Victor Force were deployed to prevent any potential escape routes for the trapped terrorists. The thick foliage in the orchard area posed challenges for surveillance, allowing terrorists to exploit blind spots. Both Latif and Zakir, residents of Kulgam district, have affiliations with the LeT, with Zakir involved since 2024 and Latif joining the group last year.
Shopian, known for its history of terrorism, has witnessed recent encounters resulting in the elimination of terrorists. The region’s dense apple orchards and foliage provide cover, complicating surveillance efforts. Intelligence agencies emphasize the importance of containing local operatives in Shopian to disrupt logistics networks and curb local recruitment activities.
