You can run but can't hide': Armed forces neutralise Lashkar terrorist in J&K's Shopian

'You can run but can't hide': Armed forces neutralise Lashkar terrorist in J&K's Shopian

Security forces killed a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, following a five-day operation in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. The joint effort involved the Shopian Special Operations Group (SOG), the Army's Rashtriya Rifles (RR), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The operation began on Saturday, July 3, after surveillance cameras spotted two local Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in a dense orchard within the Meemandar area, which encompasses seven villages. Based on information that the militants were hiding in the forests of Shopian, security forces cordoned off the region and evacuated residents from four nearby villages.

The trapped terrorists were identified as Zakir and Latif, both residents of the Kulgam district in south Kashmir. According to security records, Zakir has been associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba since 2024, while Latif joined the outfit last year.

The encounter escalated when the terrorists opened fire on approaching army personnel. In response, security forces retaliated. To prevent an escape through the thick orchard foliage, the Army's specialized counter-insurgency unit, known as 'Victor Force', deployed additional personnel and illuminated the area. Officials noted that the dense summer foliage provides natural cover, creating blind spots that terrorists can use to breach security cordons.

Following the exchange of fire, a body was recovered in the Chanapora area. Security forces observed an assortment of arms and ammunition near the body from a distance. While one source identifies the killed terrorist as Zakir Ganai, other police sources stated that the identity of the deceased is still being verified.

Confirming the outcome on X, the Jammu and Kashmir Police stated:

"You Can Run, But You Can't Hide! One Lashkar terrorist was neutralised by SOG Shopian in a joint operation, along with RR and CRPF."

J&K Police, via X

Officials described Shopian as a historically key transit corridor connecting central Kashmir, south Kashmir, and the Pir Panjal range. While foreign terrorists are increasingly used for attacks, authorities stated that neutralizing local operatives like Latif and Zakir is essential for curbing local recruitment and disrupting logistics networks.

This incident is part of a broader series of aggressive counter-terror efforts across the region. In the Rajouri district, a multi-agency combing mission called 'Operation Sheruwali' has been active since late May. This operation focuses on the rugged, mountainous terrain of Dorimal in the Gambhir Mughlan area of the Manjakote sector, utilizing advanced surveillance equipment to locate and neutralize armed infiltrators.

Security forces maintain a strong presence in the Chanapora belt as search operations continue. An official stated that further details will be released once the area is fully secured.