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| Top LeT commander, NIA proclaimed offender Zakir Ganie killed in Shopian encounter | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, July 8: In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing anti-terror operations in south Kashmir, security forces on Wednesday eliminated Zakir Ganie, a top commander of the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), during a prolonged encounter in the Saidpora area of Shopian district. The operation, which lasted several days, dealt a major blow to the terror outfit’s operational network in the Valley.
Officials identified the slain terrorist as Zakir Ganie, an A++ category LeT commander and a proclaimed offender of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Security agencies described him as one of the most wanted local terrorists operating in south Kashmir and a key figure in coordinating terrorist activities in the region.
The operation is still underway as security forces continue to search for Ganie’s close associate, Latif Bhat, who is believed to have been present during the encounter and may have managed to evade the security cordon.
According to security officials, Ganie figured prominently among the list of 14 most wanted terrorists prepared by intelligence agencies following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, in which 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed. Since then, security forces had intensified efforts to trace and neutralise the listed terrorists as part of a broader counter-terrorism strategy aimed at dismantling the local terror ecosystem.
A resident of Mutalhama village in Kulgam district, Ganie had joined the Lashkar-e-Taiba in 2024. Officials said he initially functioned as an Over Ground Worker (OGW), providing logistical support, shelter, transportation and other assistance to terrorists before graduating into the ranks of an armed teerorist. Over time, he emerged as one of the outfit’s key operational commanders in south Kashmir.
Investigators said Ganie was involved in several cases related to murder, criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession and transportation of weapons, terrorist financing, and anti-national activities. Multiple cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other criminal laws had been registered against him.
Officials said Ganie had remained on the run for several months despite sustained efforts by the NIA and the Jammu and Kashmir Police to apprehend him. Several raids were conducted at suspected hideouts, but he managed to evade arrest each time.
Repeated notices issued by the investigating agencies and the court went unanswered. Consequently, in October 2025, the NIA Special Court declared him a proclaimed offender under the relevant provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The agency had also initiated legal proceedings to attach his movable and immovable properties as part of the investigation.
Security officials said his elimination marks a major success for the NIA and other security agencies that had been tracking his movements for months.
The encounter was the culmination of a meticulously planned multi-day operation based on specific intelligence inputs. Officials said surveillance equipment and technical monitoring detected suspicious movement of Zakir Ganie and Latif Bhat in a densely wooded orchard in the Meemander area of Shopian on Friday.
Acting swiftly, the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Special Operations Group (SOG), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a joint cordon-and-search operation, sealing all possible escape routes around the suspected hideout.
As the search teams advanced towards the location, the terrorists opened indiscriminate fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire. The operation was conducted with caution due to the thick vegetation and complex terrain, which provided natural cover to the hiding terrorists.
With darkness setting in, security forces temporarily suspended the assault but maintained a tight cordon around the area to prevent any escape. Additional troops from the Army’s Victor Force were deployed, while sophisticated surveillance equipment and illumination systems were pressed into service to monitor the movement of the trapped terrorists throughout the night.
Officials said the security forces maintained relentless pressure over the next several days, gradually narrowing the operational area before finally neutralising Ganie. A cache of arms, ammunition and other incriminating material was recovered from the encounter site. The seized material is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Security officials believe Ganie’s killing is a significant setback to the Lashkar-e-Taiba’s operational capabilities in south Kashmir. His elimination comes amid intensified counter-terrorism operations launched after the Pahalgam attack, with security agencies focusing on dismantling both active terrorist groups and their support infrastructure.
Officials said sustained operations against terrorists and their overground networks would continue across Jammu and Kashmir to eliminate the remaining operatives and prevent attempts to revive militant activities in the region.
The search operation in the Shopian area remains in progress as security forces continue efforts to trace and neutralise Latif Bhat, who is believed to be the last surviving terrorist involved in the operation. |
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