In a decisive move against terrorism, Indian security forces neutralized Shahid Kuttay, the chief of The Resistance Front (TRF) and the alleged mastermind behind the recent Pahalgam terror attack, during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district.
The Encounter Unfolds
On May 13, 2025, acting on specific intelligence inputs about terrorist presence in the Shoekal Keller area of Shopian, a joint team comprising the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a search and destroy operation, aptly named Operation Keller. As the forces commenced their search, they were met with heavy gunfire from the hiding terrorists, leading to a fierce firefight that lasted several hours. The operation culminated in the elimination of three terrorists, including Shahid Kuttay and his associate Adnan Shafi.YouTube
Shahid Kuttay: A Key Militant Figure
Shahid Kuttay was a prominent figure in the TRF, a proxy outfit of the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He was believed to be the principal architect of the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 civilians. His death is considered a significant blow to the TRF’s operational capabilities in the region.
Aftermath and Security Measures
Following the encounter, security forces cordoned off the area to conduct thorough search operations, ensuring no other militants were hiding nearby. Authorities have also heightened security across the region to prevent any potential retaliatory actions from terrorist groups.
Operation Sindoor: A Broader Counter-Terrorism Strategy
Operation Keller is part of India’s broader counter-terrorism strategy, which includes the recently executed Operation Sindoor. In response to the Pahalgam attack, Indian forces carried out precision airstrikes targeting key terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These strikes reportedly resulted in the elimination of nearly 100 terrorists, including operatives at Jaish-e-Mohammad’s headquarters in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s training base in Muridke.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a national address, emphasized India’s firm stance against terrorism and warned Pakistan of severe consequences if it continues to support terrorist activities. He stated that peace cannot coexist with terror and that India would not tolerate any threats to its sovereignty.
Conclusion
The successful execution of Operation Keller and the elimination of Shahid Kuttay underscore India’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism from its soil. These operations send a clear message to terrorist organizations and their supporters that India will take decisive action to protect its citizens and maintain national security.
Aamir Ahmad Fateh is a seasoned digital marketer and experienced news writer with over 7 years of expertise in covering political affairs, social issues, technology, sports, and Bollywood. He is the founder and chief editor of 24fnews.com, where he is dedicated to delivering accurate, unbiased, and timely news to a wide audience every day. His sharp insights and journalistic integrity make him a trusted voice in the digital news space.
