Massive anti-terror operation underway in Kashmir's Shopian; two terrorists trapped

A joint anti-terror operation by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district entered its second day on Sunday, with search operations resuming in the Chanpora area where two terrorists are believed to be trapped inside a residential house.

The encounter began on Saturday evening after security forces launched a coordinated operation based on intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the area.

While an India Today report said that the two terrorists have been killed, there has been no official confirmation from the security forces so far.

The operation has led to heavy deployment of security personnel in the area as forces continue efforts to neutralise the terrorists while ensuring the safety of civilians.

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Joint operation by Army, CRPF and J&K Police

The gunfight started around 7:45 PM in Chanpora village after security forces launched a search operation following intelligence inputs.

The operation is being carried out jointly by units of the Indian Army, including 44 Rashtriya Rifles, 20 Rashtriya Rifles, 34 Rashtriya Rifles and 55 Rashtriya Rifles, along with the Central Reserve Police Force's (CRPF) 14 and 178 Battalions and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

According to news agency IANS, search operations resumed on Sunday morning after being suspended overnight due to operational considerations.

Suspected Lashkar operative among trapped terrorists

One of the terrorists is believed to be Zakir Ahmad Ganie, a suspected operative of the Lashkar-e-Taiba. The second terrorist has been identified in the India Today report as Latif Bhatt, although security forces have not officially confirmed the identities of those.

Ganie, a resident of Kulgam district in south Kashmir, is classified as an A++ category terrorist by India. He is wanted in several terror-related cases and was declared a proclaimed offender by a National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Kulgam in October 2025.

Investigators have also linked Ganie to the probe into the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year. Security agencies have accused him of involvement in attacks on security personnel as well as targeted killings in the Kashmir Valley.

CCTV footage aided investigation

According to reports, security agencies had recently obtained CCTV footage believed to show Ganie with another unidentified terrorist in the Shopian area. Investigators used the footage along with other intelligence inputs to verify their presence before launching the operation.

The encounter remains underway, and officials are yet to issue a final statement on the outcome of the operation. Security forces have maintained a tight cordon around the area as the search continues.