Shopian, Jammu & Kashmir, May 13, 2025 – In a meticulously executed mission, the Indian Army, alongside the Jammu & Kashmir Police, launched Operation Keller in the Shoekal Keller area of Shopian district, South Kashmir, on May 13, 2025. The intelligence-driven operation targeted a group of hardcore terrorists, resulting in the elimination of three militants, including Shahid Kuttay, the mastermind behind the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. This operation marks a significant blow to terrorist networks in the region.
The Genesis of Operation Keller
Acting on precise intelligence from a Rashtriya Rifles unit, security forces pinpointed the presence of terrorists in the rugged, forested terrain of Shoekal Keller. The operation commenced early on May 13, with troops sealing off the area to prevent any escape. As forces closed in, the terrorists initiated heavy gunfire, sparking an intense firefight. The Army’s swift and coordinated response led to the neutralization of three terrorists, with Shahid Kuttay confirmed among the deceased. The operation remains ongoing as search teams scour the area for additional threats or hidden weapons caches.
OPERATION KELLER
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 13, 2025
On 13 May 2025, based on specific intelligence of a #RashtriyasRifles Unit, about presence of terrorists in general area Shoekal Keller, #Shopian, #IndianArmy launched a search and destroy Operation. During the operation, terrorists opened heavy fire and fierce… pic.twitter.com/KZwIkEGiLF
Shahid Kuttay: The Pahalgam Attack Mastermind
Shahid Kuttay, a resident of Chotipora Heerpora in Shopian and a top commander of The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), was identified as a key planner of the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack. That brutal assault in the picturesque resort town claimed 26 lives, including tourists and a Navy officer, and heightened tensions in the region. Kuttay, who joined the terror ranks in March 2023, was also linked to other anti-national activities, including the killing of a BJP sarpanch in Heerpora on May 18, 2024. Following the Pahalgam attack, authorities demolished Kuttay’s residence on April 26, signaling a crackdown on his network. His elimination in Operation Keller is a major setback for TRF and its sponsors.
A Broader Counter-Terrorism Push
Operation Keller is part of the Indian Army’s relentless campaign to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir, following the escalation caused by the Pahalgam attack. The operation’s success comes on the heels of Operation Sindoor, a series of missile strikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, launched in retaliation for the same April 22 attack. The neutralization of Kuttay and his associates underscores the Army’s commitment to rooting out militancy while leveraging precise intelligence to minimize civilian impact.
Local residents, while wary of ongoing tensions, expressed relief at Kuttay’s elimination. “He was a threat to our peace. We hope such operations bring us closer to normalcy,” said a Shopian shopkeeper, speaking anonymously for safety.
Strategic Impact
The killing of Shahid Kuttay disrupts TRF’s operations in South Kashmir, where Shopian and Pulwama have historically been militant strongholds. Security analysts highlight the operation’s timing, noting its alignment with efforts to stabilize the region amid recent India-Pakistan ceasefire agreements following Operation Sindoor. “Neutralizing a figure like Kuttay not only weakens TRF but also deters others from following his path,” said a Srinagar-based security expert.
The operation also responds to public and political demands for justice after the Pahalgam attack. Posters offering a ₹20 lakh reward for information on terrorists involved in the attack, including Kuttay’s associates, had been circulated in Shopian, reflecting the intensity of the manhunt.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the success of Operation Keller, challenges persist. The dense forests and mountainous terrain of Shopian provide cover for militants, complicating security operations. Additionally, the risk of radicalization among local youth remains a concern, necessitating community engagement alongside military action. The Indian Army has vowed to maintain its zero-tolerance stance, with officials stating, “We will continue to act decisively to ensure the safety of our people and the integrity of our nation.”
Conclusion
Operation Keller stands as a testament to the Indian Army’s precision and resolve in combating terrorism. The elimination of Shahid Kuttay, the architect of the Pahalgam attack, delivers justice for the victims and weakens the terrorist ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir. As search operations continue in Shopian, the nation watches with hope that such victories pave the way for lasting peace in the valley.
