In a significant development in the ongoing fight against cross-border terrorism, Indian army forces have neutralized three Pakistani nationals allegedly responsible for a recent deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. According to a statement made by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, these individuals were directly involved in orchestrating and executing the assault that claimed the lives of several security personnel and civilians in the region earlier this month.
The operation was carried out in the dense forests of the Kathua district, where intelligence inputs had confirmed the presence of a heavily armed group linked to Pakistan-based terror outfits. Acting on specific information, Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint cordon and search operation which eventually culminated in a fierce gunbattle lasting several hours.
“Three Pakistani terrorists have been eliminated in a well-coordinated encounter by our security forces,” said the minister during a press briefing in New Delhi. “This is a major success in our mission to root out terrorism from the region and ensure peace for our citizens. We are committed to taking strict action against any individual or group that threatens India’s sovereignty.”
He further stated that preliminary investigations and recovered items—including arms, ammunition, and communication equipment—point towards the involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terrorist organization proscribed by the United Nations. Forensic examination of the weapons and mobile devices found on the slain militants is underway, and authorities believe the evidence will further establish their cross-border links.
“Indian Army’s Precision Strike Ends Infiltration Threat in Kathua”
The minister also revealed that one of the terrorists had infiltrated the border earlier this month, while the others were believed to have entered the Indian side at least a few weeks ago. “Their objective was clearly to create unrest and disrupt the Amarnath Yatra, as well as to instill fear among local communities,”
Indian army forces had been on high alert following multiple reports of infiltration attempts across the Line of Control (LoC). Over the past few months, there has been a noticeable uptick in ceasefire violations and terror-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, raising fresh concerns about regional stability and the safety of ongoing religious pilgrimages.
This latest encounter is being viewed as a major tactical victory for Indian army, particularly given the challenging terrain and the high level of training the infiltrators appeared to possess. “It was a tough operation, conducted with precision and bravery. Our forces showed exceptional courage in eliminating the threat without suffering any casualties,” a senior army official said.
The Indian government has repeatedly accused Pakistan of providing safe havens and support to terrorist groups that operate across the LoC. Islamabad, however, denies these allegations, asserting that it only offers political support to what it calls the “Kashmiri freedom struggle.”
Meanwhile, locals in the Kathua district expressed relief after the encounter, stating that the presence of armed terrorists had caused widespread fear and panic in nearby villages. Security has been tightened in the region, and routine patrolling has increased to prevent any further infiltration attempts.
The Centre has praised the swift action by the Indian army and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. As investigations continue, more details are expected to emerge in the coming days regarding the identities and broader network of the slain militants.
