 Early Times Report
Jammu, July 30: In a major success for counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, security forces have eliminated five terrorists within a span of 72 hours, dealing a significant blow to Pakistan-backed terror groups operating in the region.
In the early hours of Wednesday, Indian Army troops foiled an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch district, killing two infiltrators. The operation, codenamed ‘Operation Shiv Shakti’, was launched based on specific intelligence inputs regarding suspicious movement near the LoC.
This comes just two days after security forces successfully carried out ‘Operation Mahadev’, eliminating three terrorists involved in the recent Pahalgam terror attack, in which several civilians and security personnel were targeted. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while speaking in the Lok Sabha during the debate on ‘Operation Sindoor’ on Tuesday, confirmed that the three terrorists killed on July 28 during Operation Mahadev were directly responsible for the Pahalgam attack.
“Yesterday, the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police neutralised three terrorists — Suleiman, Afghan, and Jibran. Suleiman was a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, involved in both the Pahalgam and Gagangir attacks. Multiple pieces of evidence confirm this,” Shah stated. He further informed the House that Afghan and Jibran were also senior Lashkar operatives.
Defence spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal stated that ‘Operation Shiv Shakti’ was launched in the Poonc “Yesterday, the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police neutralised three terrorists — Suleiman, Afghan, and Jibran. Suleiman was a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, involved in both the Pahalgam and Gagangir attacks."
“Acting swiftly, the troops laid coordinated ambushes along suspected infiltration routes. A fierce exchange of fire took place during which two terrorists were neutralised. The operation also led to the recovery of a large cache of war-like stores,” he said.
The recovered items included two assault rifles with ammunition, a pistol, hand grenades, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), communication equipment, medicines, and various logistics materials, indicating the terrorists were equipped for a prolonged engagement.
The operation was executed with precision, causing no collateral damage and ensuring the safety of the local population, the spokesperson added.
Officials described Operation Shiv Shakti as a major blow to Pakistan-sponsored terrorist organisations attempting to push infiltrators into Indian territory amid heightened security.
“The operation underscores the high level of synergy, coordination, and commitment among the Indian Army, intelligence agencies, and Jammu and Kashmir Police in safeguarding the region,” said Lt Col Bartwal.
Search operations are currently underway in the surrounding areas to ensure that no other terrorists are hiding nearby.
Together, Operations Mahadev and Shiv Shakti reflect the Indian security establishment’s firm resolve to neutralize any threat to peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. |
