Indian Army eliminates LeT terrorist in Shopian anti-terror operation

New Delhi: The Indian Army has killed A++ category Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Zakir Ganai during an ongoing anti-terror operation south Kashmir’s Shopian district, dealing a major blow to the terror group network. The operation remains underway as security forces continue searching for his suspected associate, Latief Bhat, who is believed to be hiding inside the cordoned area.

According to the Army, the joint operation was launched in the Chanapora area of Shopian after receiving specific intelligence from the Jammu & Kashmir Police. During the search operation, terrorists opened fire on the joint team, triggering an exchange of gunfire in which Zakir Ganai was killed. Arms, ammunition and other war-like stores were recovered from the encounter site, while the Army said the operation is still in progress.

The Jammu & Kashmir Police posted the development in a post on X, stating, “You can run, but you cannot hide,” after the joint operation carried out by the Army, the J&K Police and the CRPF. Security forces remain deployed in the area as searches continue for the second suspected terrorist.

The encounter comes days after RNA reported that Zakir Ganai and Latief Bhat had been spotted on surveillance cameras moving through a dense orchard in Shopian. The sighting prompted security forces to launch a large-scale cordon and search operation, with additional troops deployed to seal escape routes and maintain surveillance across the area.

According to security agencies, Ganai had been categorized as an A++ LeT terrorist and was wanted in multiple terror-related cases. Reports said he was declared a proclaimed offender by an NIA court in Kulgam in October 2025 after failing to appear despite a non-bailable warrant. J&K Police said the operation in Shopian remains active as security forces continue efforts to trace Latief Bhat.