Shahid Kuttay, the top commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy The Resistance Front (TRF), the terrorist outfit involved in the Pahalgam attack, was killed in a gunfight with security personnel in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, it is learnt. Two other terrorists were eliminated in the ‘Operation Keller.’
“On 13 May 2025, based on credible intelligence of a Rashtriya Rifles Unit regarding the presence of terrorists in general area of Shoekal Keller, Shopian. The Indian Army conducted a search and destroy Operation. Terrorists laid heavy fire and intense firefight broke out during the operation, resulting in the neutralisation of three hardcore terrorists,” the Indian Army wrote in an X post.
Kuttay was also involved in the firing incident at Danish Resort on April 08, 2024 in which two German tourists, and one driver got injured. He was also involved in the murder of BJP Sarpanch at Heerpora, Shopian on May 18, 2024. He is suspected to be involved in the murder of TA Personnel at Behibagh, Kulgam on Feb 03, 2025.
Following a particular input regarding the existence of terrorists in Shukroo Keller region of the south Kashmir district, security forces conducted a cordon and search operation there.
They added that the search operation escalated into an encounter when the terrorists opened fire at the forces who responded.
During the exchange of fire, three terrorists were suspected to be killed as their corpses were spotted in the dense vegetation zone in the forests, the officials added.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police earlier released the identities and sketches of three terrorists allegedly involved in the terror attack in Pahalgam.
All the three terrorists belong to the Lashkar-e-Taiba and a reward of Rs 20 lakh each for the capture of the three terrorists was declared by the Police.
The terror operatives were discovered to be Hussain Thoker, a native of Anantnag; Ali Bhai, alias Talha Bhai; and Hasim Musa, alias Suleiman. Among the three LeT operatives, Musa and Talha are believed to be Pakistani terrorists, while Thokar is a Kashmiri local.
The operation follows Indian stupendous success in Operation Sindoor where precision strikes have resulted in the elimination of virtually 100 terror operatives at prime bases in Pakistan. Amongst the targets have been Bhawalpur, the Jaish Headquarters and Muridke, a prime Lashkar training base.
May 19, 2025