Subhechcha Ganguly 
A fresh encounter broke out on Thursday morning in the Nader Tral area of Awantipora in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district after security forces launched a cordon and search operation based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists.
According to a senior police official, the operation was initiated by a joint team of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The search operation escalated into an encounter when terrorists opened heavy fire on the security forces, prompting a retaliatory response.
“Encounter has started at Nader, Tral area of Awantipora. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow,” Kashmir Police said in a post on social media platform X.
The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army confirmed the incident, stating:
“On 15 May 2025, based on specific intelligence input from an intelligence agency, a Cordon & Search Operation was launched at Nader, Tral, Awantipora. Suspicious activity was observed, and upon being challenged, terrorists opened heavy fire, leading to a fierce gunfight. The operation is currently in progress.”
This latest encounter comes just two days after a major success for the security forces in Shopian district, where three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were neutralized in Operation Keller. Among those killed was top LeT commander Shahid Kuttay, dealing a significant blow to the terror outfit’s operations in the region. Another identified terrorist was Adnan Shafi, while the identity of the third militant is yet to be confirmed.
The Shopian operation was launched by the Rashtriya Rifles based on pinpoint intelligence regarding terrorist presence in the Shoekal Keller area. A heavy exchange of fire ensued, resulting in the elimination of the three “hardcore terrorists,” according to Army sources.
Security forces remain on high alert across South Kashmir as counter-terror operations continue. More details from the ongoing Tral operation are expected shortly.
