Pakistani Lashkar Terrorist Yasir Killed In Yousmarg Gunfight

A Pakistani Lashkar‑e‑Taiba commander, identified as Yasir, was killed in an encounter with joint security forces in the upper reaches of Yousmarg in central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Saturday. 

Sources confirmed that the gunfight broke out after joint forces launched an intelligence‑based search operation in the area following inputs about the presence of terrorists.

The operation was carried out jointly by Special Forces and 53 Rashtriya Rifles, who engaged in an exchange of fire with the terrorists. Yasir was part of the larger Sulaiman Musa group of Lashkar‑e‑Taiba but had split from the faction nearly a year ago.

Since then, he had been operating independently, and security agencies had been tracking his movements in the Yousmarg area for a brief period.

Officials revealed that Yasir had emerged as a key Lashkar operative in the region after separating from the Musa group. His presence in the higher reaches of Yousmarg prompted security forces to launch the search operation, which culminated in the encounter. His elimination is seen as a significant development in the ongoing counter‑terror campaign.

The encounter in Yousmarg comes amid intensified counter‑terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir. Following Yasir’s death, agencies are probing his network, his links with other Lashkar‑e‑Taiba operatives, and the extent of his activities in the region. Investigators are also examining whether he played any role in planning, facilitating, or supporting recent terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

Yasir’s association with the Sulaiman Musa group adds further context to his profile. Sulaiman Musa, also known as Hashim Moosa, was one of the masterminds behind the 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

A few months after the attack, Indian security forces gunned Moosa down in an encounter in the Dachigam forest area of Srinagar. Yasir’s split from Musa’s faction and his independent operations highlight the evolving dynamics within Lashkar‑e‑Taiba’s command structure.

Security analysts believe that Yasir’s killing may disrupt Lashkar’s local networks, though agencies remain cautious about the possibility of successor operatives filling the vacuum.

The incident underscores the continuing challenges posed by Pakistan‑based terror outfits and the sustained efforts of Indian forces to neutralise their operatives inside Jammu and Kashmir.

Agencies

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Eight Overground Workers of Terrorists Arrested In Kashmir Operations

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have arrested eight suspected overground workers of terrorists in three separate operations. The arrests were made in Shopian and Pulwama districts, and officials confirmed the recovery of grenades, ammunition, and other incriminating material.

In Shopian district, police and Army personnel launched a joint search operation in an orchard at Imamsahib after receiving a tip-off. During the operation, they recovered a grenade, two AK magazines, four mobile phones, and posters of a banned terror outfit from the orchard belonging to Nazir Ahmad Wani.

Three suspected overground workers, identified as Ashiq Hussain Kumar, Arif Kumar, and Harris Manzoor, were arrested in connection with the case.

In another operation in Shopian late on Monday night, security forces detained three motorcycle-borne individuals. Their search led to the recovery of two hand grenades and other incriminating material allegedly linked to the Hizbul Mujahideen terror outfit. The three arrested men were identified as Junaid Ahmad Dar, Amir Yousuf, and Junaid Muzaffar.

Separately, two suspected terrorist associates were arrested from a forest area in Pulwama district. Acting on security inputs, police, Army, and CRPF personnel launched a Cordon and Search Operation in the Yarwan forest area of CB Nath in Rajpora.

During the operation, security personnel noticed two individuals emerging from the forest towards CB Nath village in a suspicious manner and apprehended them.

The two were identified as Latif Ahmad Deedad and Aejaz Ahmad Bajad. A pistol, 12 rounds of ammunition, and a hand grenade were recovered from their possession.

A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Investigators are probing the activities of the accused, the source of the recovered weapons and ammunition, and their possible links to wider terror networks. Officials emphasised that these arrests highlight the continuing efforts of security forces to dismantle support structures of terrorist organisations in the Valley.

PTI

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India Rejects Pakistan’s 'Frustration' Over US Envoy’s Remarks on J&K, Reaffirms J&K as India’s Indivisible Part of India

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday dismissed Pakistan’s reaction to US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, describing Islamabad’s move as “frustration”.

The MEA spokesperson Jaiswal, during the bi-weekly press briefing in New Delhi, reiterated that Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh are integral and indivisible parts of India.

He emphasised that they were, they are, and they will remain so. He added that there was no reason to comment further on Pakistan’s protest.

Pakistan had summoned the US Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad on Wednesday to lodge a protest against Gor’s statement. Islamabad claimed that his remarks were factually incorrect and contradicted Washington’s longstanding position on Kashmir.

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry insisted that Jammu and Kashmir’s status was still awaiting final disposition under relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah responded on Thursday, saying that the summoning of a US diplomat by Islamabad was an issue strictly between Pakistan and the United States. He did not see it as a matter requiring India’s involvement.

Sergio Gor, during his visit to Srinagar, described Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India. 

This was his first standalone visit to the Union Territory since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the Pakistan-backed terror attack in Pahalgam in 2025.

His remarks carried weight as they came during a meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, which he described as very good and cordial, with follow-up discussions planned in Washington and New Delhi.

Gor commended the security efforts undertaken by the Union Territory administration and the Centre to make Jammu and Kashmir safer. He signalled a possible shift in Washington’s stance by suggesting that the United States may re-evaluate its travel advisory for the region. Currently, the US has a Level 4 “do not travel” advisory in place for Jammu and Kashmir.

The envoy said that incredible steps had been taken to improve safety in the region. He explained that the United States periodically reviews its travel warnings and that while he could not make any major announcements immediately, the advisory for Jammu and Kashmir would be looked at closely. He noted that the Government of India and the local administration had made significant progress in ensuring security.

Gor added that Jammu and Kashmir was a beautiful area with immense potential for tourism. He expressed hope that many Americans would enjoy visiting the region to experience its beauty and opportunities. He stressed that the US would consider whether the current travel warning should be downgraded, reflecting the improved security situation.

The MEA’s firm dismissal of Pakistan’s protest underscored India’s consistent position that Jammu and Kashmir, including Ladakh, are inseparable parts of the country. The episode highlighted the growing diplomatic engagement between India and the United States, while Pakistan’s objections were brushed aside as irrelevant by New Delhi.

ANI

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'J&K’s Problems Are To Be Resolved By Delhi, Not Washington Or Any Other Foreign Power': Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has firmly stated that Jammu and Kashmir’s problems must be resolved by New Delhi, not Washington, ahead of US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s maiden visit to the Union Territory.

While Gor’s remarks describing J&K as an “important part of India” have drawn praise in India and protest in Pakistan, Abdullah emphasised that foreign governments have no jurisdiction over local issues.

Omar Abdullah clarified that he would meet Ambassador Sergio Gor to discuss the situation in Jammu and Kashmir but would not seek solutions from a foreign envoy. He stressed that it would be wrong for him to take complaints to another country’s ambassador, reiterating that governance in the Union Territory is strictly a matter for India’s central government.

Sergio Gor, who is also the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, arrived in Srinagar on his first standalone visit to Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the Pakistan-backed Pahalgam terror attack in 2025.

His visit marks the first by a serving US ambassador to the Valley in seven years, underscoring Washington’s renewed engagement with the region.

During his meeting with Omar Abdullah, Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” and praised its beauty and improved security. He hinted that Washington may reconsider its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for the Union Territory, a warning long criticised for damaging tourism and projecting instability. Gor said the US regularly re-evaluates its travel warnings and would examine whether the current advisory should be downgraded.

Abdullah acknowledged the envoy’s interest but downplayed the significance of the visit, noting that “Washington won’t solve Kashmir’s problems.” He emphasised that discussions with Gor focused on widening and deepening ties in tourism, horticulture, and the new economy, while firmly maintaining that regional matters remain internal to India.

The meeting was described as warm and cordial, with Gor posting on X that he appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Abdullah’s priorities. He confirmed that talks centred on deepening economic collaboration and creating mutually beneficial opportunities.

Abdullah also posted on X, expressing appreciation for the engagement and eagerness to continue dialogue on economic cooperation.

Gor’s itinerary includes meetings with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and a trip to Ladakh. His dual role as US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asia adds weight to the visit, particularly since the US has not appointed an ambassador to Pakistan since 2025. This amplifies perceptions of Washington leaning closer to New Delhi at a sensitive time.

Pakistan reacted sharply to Gor’s remarks, summoning the US Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad and lodging a formal protest. Its foreign ministry described Gor’s comments as “factually incorrect” and “irresponsible,” accusing the envoy of undermining Washington’s long-standing position on Kashmir and international law. Islamabad categorically rejected the characterisation of Jammu and Kashmir as part of India.

The envoy’s suggestion of reviewing the travel advisory is particularly important for New Delhi, which has sought international recognition of security improvements in Kashmir since 2019. Analysts argue that if the US follows through, it would be a major diplomatic victory for India, aligning with its long-term goals of normalising the region and projecting stability.

The backdrop of Gor’s visit is significant, coming after Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam attack, and amid President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of mediating between India and Pakistan.

Against this unconventional backdrop, Gor’s remarks carry symbolic and diplomatic weight, strengthening India-US ties while risking friction with Pakistan.

Agencies

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Pakistani Cleric Claims Hafiz Saeed Sent 10,000 Youths To Fight In Kashmir

A Pakistani cleric, Maulana Nasir Madni, has claimed that Lashkar‑e‑Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed sent more than 10,000 young men to fight in Kashmir, a statement that has reignited debate over Pakistan‑based militant recruitment and India’s long‑standing allegations against Saeed, FirstPost reported.

His remarks, made at a Bahawalpur rally, directly link Saeed to cross‑border militant activity despite his imprisonment.

Madni’s speech was delivered at a rally organised by the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), a political outfit with links to LeT. In a video that has circulated widely, he praised Saeed as a figure who had made sacrifices for the country and claimed that Saeed had “presented 10,000 youths for Kashmir and for the sacrifice of the motherland.”

He referred to these men as “commandos” and questioned why they had remained silent while Saeed was in prison. The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified, but the remarks have drawn significant attention.

The cleric’s comments echo India’s long‑standing accusations that Saeed and LeT have recruited, trained, and facilitated militants for attacks against India. Saeed co‑founded LeT and later established Jamaat‑ud‑Dawa (JuD).

He has been designated a terrorist by both the United Nations and the United States, with Washington offering a $10 million reward for information leading to his conviction. His name has been repeatedly linked to major terror incidents, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

The timing of Madni’s remarks is notable. On 6 July 2026, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet naming Saeed as a key accused in the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people.

The NIA accused Saeed and LeT of conspiring to wage war against India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. A special NIA court subsequently issued a non‑bailable warrant against him, underscoring India’s determination to pursue accountability despite his imprisonment in Pakistan.

Pakistan maintains that Saeed is serving prison sentences in connection with terror‑financing cases. However, Indian officials and security analysts argue that Pakistan‑based militant networks continue to operate, with Saeed allegedly retaining influence over them despite incarceration.

Reports suggest that his ideological and organisational reach remains intact, though Saeed and his supporters deny any militant links, portraying his organisations as charitable and humanitarian.

Madni’s claim contradicts Saeed’s public portrayal as a social worker and philanthropist. By explicitly linking him to the mobilisation of thousands of fighters for Kashmir, the cleric’s remarks have revived questions about the scale of LeT’s involvement in terrorism and the role allegedly played by its founder. 

Analysts note that even if the figure of 10,000 cannot be independently verified, the statement itself is significant because it publicly acknowledges militant recruitment activities that Pakistan has often sought to downplay.

The claim also comes amid heightened scrutiny of Pakistan’s militant landscape. Indian intelligence has repeatedly warned of LeT’s attempts to rebuild infrastructure in Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir, including training camps and launch pads near the Line of Control. Madni’s remarks add weight to concerns that militant networks remain resilient and continue to pose a threat to regional stability.

For India, the cleric’s statement reinforces its narrative that Pakistan has not dismantled LeT’s operational capacity. For Pakistan, it raises uncomfortable questions about the extent of Saeed’s influence and the credibility of its claims that he is merely a prisoner serving sentences for financial crimes.

The broader implication is that militant networks, despite leadership setbacks, retain the ability to regenerate and sustain cross‑border operations.

Agencies

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India Initiates Trial In Absentia Against 26/11 Pakistani LeT Terrorists Hafiz Saeed And Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi

Nearly eighteen years after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, India has taken a decisive step to pursue justice against key Pakistani accused who have remained outside its jurisdiction.

The Mumbai Police have initiated proceedings for trial in absentia against six Pakistani terrorists, including Lashkar-e-Taiba handlers Hafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi.

This move is being carried out under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam has approached the special court to begin proceedings against the wanted accused despite their absence from India. Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti has also written to Nikam, stressing that sufficient evidence exists against the accused and that their absence should not indefinitely stall the case.

This development is expected to become one of the most high-profile tests of Section 356 since the BNSS came into effect.

The 26/11 attacks, carried out between 26 and 29 November 2008, killed 166 people and injured hundreds. Ten Pakistan-based terrorists arrived by sea and targeted multiple locations, including the Taj Mahal Palace, Oberoi-Trident, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Nariman House and Café Leopold.

Nine attackers were killed by security forces, while Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist, was tried and executed in 2012. Investigations traced the conspiracy to handlers in Pakistan who trained, equipped and guided the attackers.

The six accused now facing trial in absentia are Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, Sajid Mir, Mazhar Iqbal alias Abu Alqama, Asim alias Abu Qahafa and Major Abdur Rehman Pasha. Saeed is accused of engineering the attack, while Lakhvi, Alqama and Qahafa allegedly supervised the attackers from a Karachi control room during the assault.

Trial in absentia allows proceedings to continue even when the accused is not physically present, but only after strict safeguards are met. Section 356 requires that the accused be declared proclaimed offenders, with two consecutive arrest warrants issued at least thirty days apart.

Proclamations must be published, including in newspapers, and ninety days must elapse from the framing of charges before trial begins. Information must also be publicised at the accused’s last known residence, and relatives or associates informed. If the accused has no lawyer, the court must appoint one at the state’s expense. Evidence must still be presented and tested, ensuring the trial meets the standards of criminal justice.

The special court has already issued a proclamation against the six accused, directing them to appear by 18 August 2026. Nikam has sought issuance of the proclamation through Interpol, with the Ministry of Home Affairs forwarding it for international publication.

India has previously sought Red Corner Notices against several suspects, but those efforts did not secure their presence in court. Section 356 now provides a mechanism to prevent indefinite delays caused by absence abroad.

Lakhvi has long been described as the operational mastermind of the Mumbai attacks, even in Pakistan’s own investigation, though proceedings there have been criticised for lack of progress. Hafiz Saeed, the founder of LeT, has been accused by India and other countries of playing a central role in the conspiracy, though Pakistan’s original chargesheet did not name him. Kasab’s disclosures during interrogation also pointed to the roles of Saeed and Lakhvi.

A conviction in absentia would provide India with a formal judicial finding against the accused, though arrest and custody would still depend on Pakistan’s cooperation, extradition or other international mechanisms. The law cannot compel Pakistan to hand over the accused, but it ensures that their absence does not freeze the judicial process.

This move matters beyond 26/11. For years, India has struggled to prosecute cross-border terror planners who remain outside its jurisdiction. Section 356 attempts to close that gap by allowing trials to proceed after safeguards are met.

The current proceedings do not mean Saeed or Lakhvi have been convicted, but they mark the beginning of a process that could set a precedent for handling cases where accused remain beyond India’s physical reach. For a case that has symbolised the limits of cross-border justice, this represents a significant new chapter in India’s legal and counter-terror framework.

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Dawood Ibrahim’s Aide Akhtar Merchant Arrested At Delhi Airport In Kashimira Bakery Firing Case

Akhtar Merchant, a 60‑year‑old alleged former aide of Dawood Ibrahim, has been arrested at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after absconding for nearly three years.

He is wanted in connection with the 2023 Kashimira bakery firing case in Mira Road, Thane, and faces charges under the IPC, Arms Act, and MCOCA. His arrest followed an Interpol Red Corner Notice and a joint operation by central agencies and Maharashtra Police.

Akhtar Merchant was intercepted at Delhi airport soon after arriving in the country. He had been on the run since 2023, when an FIR numbered 700/2023 was registered against him at Kashimira Police Station.

The case involved an alleged extortion plot targeting a Gutkha businessman named Babu. Merchant, along with co‑accused Nisar Ahmed Sheikh alias Pappu Pager, reportedly threatened the businessman over the phone demanding money.

When the businessman refused, the duo allegedly arranged for a gunman, Akbar Shaikh, to attack employees at the bakery. However, the weapon malfunctioned and no bullets were fired. Shaikh was later arrested, while Merchant managed to evade authorities until now.

The charges include attempt to murder (Section 307 IPC), extortion (Section 384 IPC), criminal conspiracy (Section 120(B) IPC), and common intention (Section 34 IPC), alongside provisions of the Arms Act and the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

Interpol issued a Red Corner Notice against Merchant earlier this month, placing him on its wanted list. He is also suspected of involvement in arms trafficking and drug smuggling, which adds to the seriousness of the charges. The Mira‑Bhayandar Vasai‑Virar Police Crime Branch, acting on Interpol inputs, maintained surveillance at Delhi airport and detained him upon arrival.

Officials confirmed that Merchant will be taken to Mira‑Bhayandar for interrogation and legal proceedings. His arrest is considered a major breakthrough in the long‑pending investigation, as he is believed to have played a central role in orchestrating the extortion conspiracy. Authorities are expected to probe his wider links to Dawood Ibrahim’s network and other organised crime operations.

The case highlights the persistence of Dawood Ibrahim’s associates in attempting to exert influence through extortion and intimidation in Mumbai’s business circles. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation, as Interpol’s alert was crucial in tracking Merchant’s movements abroad and ensuring his capture upon return.

Law enforcement officials have stated that further investigation will focus on Merchant’s overseas activities during his absconding period, his connections to arms and narcotics smuggling, and whether he maintained contact with other members of Dawood’s syndicate. His arrest may provide valuable intelligence on the underworld’s current operations and financial networks.

The bakery firing case, though unsuccessful due to the gun malfunction, remains significant as it demonstrates the methods employed by organised crime groups to intimidate and extort local businessmen.

The invocation of MCOCA provisions reflects the seriousness with which Maharashtra Police are treating the case, aiming to dismantle the larger criminal network behind such incidents.

Agencies

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Shahzad Bhatti’s ISI Network Dismantled In Multi-State Crackdown Ahead of Independence Day

A massive pre-Independence Day terror plot was foiled by Indian security agencies with the dismantling of a Pakistan-backed ISI module run by Shahzad Bhatti. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that 253 people were arrested across 14 states in simultaneous raids conducted around 12 August, effectively thwarting plans for subversive attacks ahead of Independence Day.

More than 80 FIRs were registered as part of this coordinated crackdown, which Shah described as a decisive blow against terror outfits attempting to destabilise the nation.

The sweep focused heavily on Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi and Punjab, though arrests were also reported in smaller numbers across other states. The timing of the operation was critical, as intelligence inputs had warned of attempts to carry out strikes in crowded areas during the Independence Day celebrations.

The Modi government’s coordinated program of raids destroyed the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network before it could execute its plans.

During the raids, security agencies recovered a significant cache of arms and surveillance material. Among the recoveries were improvised explosive devices, grenades marked by Pakistan Ordnance Factory, pistols, live cartridges, and CCTV equipment suspected to have been used for espionage and reconnaissance of potential targets.

These seizures confirmed the network’s modus operandi of blending terror strikes with surveillance, using advanced equipment to monitor high-value locations before launching attacks.

Shahzad Bhatti, the central figure in this network, is a Pakistan-based handler operating under the patronage of the ISI. Intelligence agencies have tracked him for years for running a cross-border network that recruits, funds and arms operatives in India.

His operations rely on hawala channels for financial transfers and encrypted apps for communication, ensuring secrecy and coordination across borders. The Bhatti network specialises in pushing explosives and small arms into India and activating sleeper cells to conduct reconnaissance of sensitive sites.

The recovered grenades and espionage-linked CCTV gear are seen as signatures of Bhatti’s module, which combines traditional terror tactics with modern surveillance methods. Officials noted that the network had been under watch for months, and the August 12 operation was the culmination of coordinated inputs from central agencies and state police. By dismantling the network, Indian security forces prevented potentially devastating attacks on crowded civilian spaces and sensitive installations.

The crackdown highlights the persistent threat posed by Pakistan’s ISI-backed operatives and the importance of coordinated intelligence-led programs in neutralising such networks.

The arrests and seizures demonstrate the scale of Bhatti’s operations, which spanned multiple states and involved hundreds of operatives.

The success of the operation has reinforced India’s internal security posture ahead of Independence Day, ensuring that the nation remained safe from planned strikes.

Agencies

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Search Operations Intensify In Udhampur, Reasi And Kathua

Security forces launched extensive search operations across Udhampur, Reasi and Kathua districts of Jammu and Kashmir following reports of suspicious movement in these areas.

Officials confirmed that the operations were initiated on Tuesday after intelligence inputs suggested the presence of suspected individuals.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police, working jointly with the Central Reserve Police Force, began a cordon-and-search program after receiving information about two suspected persons.

These individuals allegedly approached the residence of Prakash Chand in Talot village of Udhampur late on Monday night. They knocked repeatedly on his door and asked for food, according to officials.

The residents did not respond to the knocks for several minutes. Concerned by the unusual behaviour, they alerted the security forces once the suspected individuals left the area. Witnesses reported that the men, who were wearing shawls, moved towards the Khuban side after leaving the village.

Responding swiftly, joint teams of the police and CRPF reached Talot village and initiated a search operation. The security forces tightened the cordon and began combing the area to ensure no suspicious movement went unchecked.

In addition to Udhampur, search operations were also conducted in the Sadini forests of Reasi district. Security personnel expanded their efforts to cover adjoining areas, intensifying surveillance and maintaining a strong presence to prevent any escape attempts by suspected individuals.

Further operations were carried out in Kathua district, particularly in villages near the International Border in the Hiranagar sector.

These areas were placed under strict watch as part of the coordinated program to track down any suspicious activity.

Officials confirmed that the operations remain ongoing in all three districts. Security forces continue to monitor the situation closely, maintaining vigilance in response to recent reports of suspected movement. The coordinated effort highlights the determination of the agencies to ensure safety and stability in the region.

PTI

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One Non-Local Worker Killed, Another Injured In Terrorist Attack In Kulgam

One non-local worker was killed and another injured after terrorists opened fire in the Kellam area of Kulgam district in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, according to police officials.

Security forces immediately cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down the attackers. The injured worker was rushed for medical treatment, officials confirmed.

The deceased labourer was identified as being from Chhattisgarh. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the attack and directed security forces to intensify counter-terror operations.

In a statement posted on X, Sinha said he had spoken with Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and senior security officials. He emphasised that operations must be stepped up to eliminate those responsible for the attack.

Sinha described the incident as a cowardly act and reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring justice. He noted that the Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces had already cordoned off the area and launched an operation to apprehend the perpetrators.

The Lieutenant Governor also confirmed that another injured labourer from Chhattisgarh had been taken to hospital for urgent medical care.

He expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He added that the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the entire nation stand firmly with the families affected by the attack.

Further details are awaited as the search operation continues in the Kellam area of Kulgam.

ANI

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The Field Marshal’s Bleeding ‘Jugular Vein’

by Nilesh Kunwar

The Kashmir Mirage

Speaking on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day charade last year, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir tried to play Nostradamus by saying, “Without any doubt, Kashmir will be free one day and part of Pakistan as per the free will and destiny of the people of Kashmir.”

Though the self-appointed Field Marshal’s pompous utterance was pregnant with contradictions, no one cared to point out the same-simply because it’s his wont to speak through his hat.

While addressing the Overseas Pakistani Convention a few months later, he haughtily declared that “Our stance is absolutely clear, it (J&K) was our jugular vein, it will be our jugular vein- we will not forget it.” Today, the Field Marshal who is heading Pakistan’s “hybrid regime” must be realising that instead of worrying about the ‘jugular vein’ called J&K that his army has failed to seize despite having waged war- not once but twice, the need to arrest burgeoning anti-Pakistan sentiments in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) is more critical.

Hence it must be indeed very embarrassing for a person who just a year ago waxed eloquent about Kashmiris joining Pakistan as per their “free will” to be using brute force including live firing to quell peaceful protests by residents of Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), which Islamabad ironically refers to as “Azad (independent) Kashmir.” And this is what makes Field Marshal Munir’s prognosis about Kashmiris wanting to become a part of Pakistan, rib-tickling.

‘Azad’ Kashmir’s Reality

Knowing that its claim to J&K lacks substance, Pakistan invests heavily in trying to peddle propaganda of excesses in J&K while portraying PoK as a place where the people are completely free and content. In 2011, Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai, an American citizen of Kashmiri origin running Kashmiri American Council in the US pleaded guilty to receiving USD 4 million from Pakistan army’s spy agency Inter Services Intelligence for influencing lawmakers into supporting Islamabad’s Kashmir narrative.

A decade later, cash-strapped Islamabad covertly organised a fully paid up trip for US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar who (expectedly) reciprocated this magnanimity by making pro-Pakistan and anti-India statements. However, with the people of PoK repeatedly taking to the streets since 2024 demanding basic facilities, an end to exploitation of natural resources and political manipulation by Islamabad to subjugate locals, the illusion of idyllic conditions and prosperity in PoK conjured by Islamabad has collapsed like a house of cards.

Rawalpindi’s Role

Thanks to its high handedness and perceptible lack of concern for locals, the Pakistan army was never popular in PoK and this isn’t an unsubstantiated allegation. After the massive 2005 earthquake that hit the area, Human Rights Watch (HRW) compiled a report in 2006 titled “With Friends Like These…” Though two decades old, this report is important as HRW has itself observed that “The earthquake put the international spotlight on Azad Kashmir (PoK) for the first time. Previously, attention had been almost wholly on Jammu and Kashmir state in India, which since 1989 has endured a brutal insurgency and counterinsurgency.

Its title is inspired by a Muzaffarabad resident’s remark made to HRW that “Pakistan (army) says they are our friends and India is our enemy. I agree India is our enemy, but with friends like these, who needs enemies?” And this observation aptly sums up the overall situation prevailing in PoK. Some specific instances mentioned in the report that expose the sorry state of affairs in PoK:

• Many Kashmiris told HRW that the Pakistani military kept a close watch on the population to ensure political compliance and control and this was facilitated by placement of military installations frequently in close proximity to populated areas.

• In the context of a military presence, that was more abuser than protector, and domineering Pakistani political control, the failure of the authorities to respond quickly and more humanely to the after effects of the earthquake in PoK came as little surprise.

• The Pakistani government in Islamabad, the Pakistani army and the Pakistani intelligence services (Inter-Services Intelligence, ISI) control all aspects of political life in PoK. Arbitrary arrest and detention and torture at the hands of the Pakistani military and the police; and discrimination against refugees from J&K state is commonplace.

• For those expressing independent or unpopular political views, there is a pervasive fear of Pakistani military and intelligence services-and of militant organizations acting at their behest or independently. The HRW report also noted that the 2005 earthquake exposed “The poor response of the Pakistani government and military to the (2005) earthquake, and the attendant further loss of life...” and a few instances recorded in the HRW report that buttresses this observation:

• In the first seventy-two hours after the earthquake, thousands of Pakistani troops stationed in PoK prioritised the evacuation of their own personnel over providing relief to desperate civilians.

• The international media filmed Pakistani troops standing by and refusing to help because they had “no orders” to do so even as locals attempted to dig out those still alive, sending a chilling message of indifference from Islamabad.

Complete Immunity

The HRW report mentions that it “knows of no cases in which members of military and paramilitary security and intelligence agencies have been prosecuted or even disciplined for acts of torture or mistreatment.” It has also documented “incidents of torture by the ISI, and by PoK police acting at the ISI’s and the army’s behest” that have not been investigated. Such a serious lack of accountability has made the army law unto itself and this is the prime reason for its cavalier ways.

Another thing that has enraged locals is the creation of terrorist infrastructure in PoK by the Pakistan army and luring Kashmiri youth to pick up guns and fight its proxy war in J&K. That’s why Sardar Aman Khan, a leader of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) spearheading the ongoing peaceful protests, mocked the establishment for proscribing this grass root rights organisation by saying, "They say they were terrorists. Look, it was the Pakistan Army that put guns into the hands of Kashmiris. Kashmiris had guns because the Pakistan Army gave them those guns. The entire Pakistan Army did it. And today, they have the audacity to call us terrorists!"

Reality Check

It would do the self-appointed field marshal a lot of good if he stops hallucinating and accepts ground realities. The ongoing protests in PoK rubbish his puerile prognosis that Kashmir will one day become “part of Pakistan as per the free will and destiny of the people of Kashmir.”

Furthermore, having failed not once but thrice, threatening to fight ten more wars for Kashmir in order to secure what he perceives to be Pakistan’s “jugular vein,” he needs to first prevent PoK from breaking away. The first of the ten wars promised by Field Marshal Munir has started – unfortunately, it’s not against India to wrest control of Kashmir, but being waged against the defenceless people of PoK.

What could be more embarrassing than this?

Nilesh Kunwar is a retired Indian Army Officer who has served in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. He is a keen ‘Kashmir-Watcher,’ and after retirement is pursuing his favourite hobby of writing for newspapers, journals and think-tanks. Views expressed above are the author's own

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Interpol Red Corner Notice Issued Against Hizbul Mujahideen Terrorist Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo In 2013 Tarzoo Attack Case

The State Investigation Agency of Jammu and Kashmir Police has successfully secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against Hizbul Mujahideen militant Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo in connection with the Tarzoo attack of 2013.

This notice will enable international law enforcement agencies to locate, detain, and initiate extradition proceedings against him so that he can face trial in India.

The case relates to the ambush on 26 April 2013 at Peer Mohalla, Hygam, Sopore, where militants armed with automatic weapons attacked a police party. Four J&K police personnel were killed in one of the most serious strikes against security forces during that period. Initially registered at Tarzoo police station, the case was transferred to the SIA in 2024 for a comprehensive investigation.

The SIA carried out an extensive probe involving evidence collection, witness examination, and reconstruction of the conspiracy. Fresh evidence led to the addition of more offences, and a detailed chargesheet was filed in July 2024 against six accused persons.

Two of them, Tariq Ahmad Mir of Handwara and Qayoom Najar of Sopore, were killed in encounters with security forces. Three others—Javid Ahmad Mattoo, Rouf Najar, and Ahmadullah Malla—were arrested and are currently facing trial. The sixth and main accused, Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, absconded and is believed to have exfiltrated to Pakistan.

Kandoo has been an active member and commander of Hizbul Mujahideen since 2010. His sustained involvement in terrorist activities led to his designation as an individual terrorist by the Government of India in October 2022. The SIA investigation conclusively established his central role in the Hygam attack and revealed his wider involvement in militant operations.

Beyond this case, Kandoo is wanted in at least ten more terror-related cases. These include attacks and targeted killings that caused the deaths of more than fifteen persons, arms and ammunition smuggling, and narco-terror financing. Despite persistent efforts by law enforcement agencies, he managed to evade arrest for years.

The issuance of the Interpol Red Corner Notice against Kandoo highlights the SIA’s growing capability in handling complex terror investigations. It demonstrates their ability to bring long-pending cases to conclusion, pursue fugitives across international jurisdictions, and leverage global policing mechanisms to ensure accountability for acts of terrorism.

The SIA has reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist ecosystems, pursuing absconding terrorists and their support networks, and ensuring that perpetrators of terrorism are brought to justice through all available legal and international mechanisms.

Agencies

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Lashkar Terrorist Neutralised In Shopian After Prolonged Encounter

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district have eliminated a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist during a prolonged anti-terror operation.

The encounter took place in the Meemandar area, a cluster of seven villages in south Kashmir, where security forces had been conducting a search operation since 3 July.

The operation was launched after intelligence inputs confirmed the presence of terrorists in the dense orchards of Meemandar. The terrain, with its thick foliage, provided natural cover and made surveillance challenging, forcing the forces to maintain a tight cordon for several days.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police announced the success of the operation with a statement on X, declaring, “You Can Run But You Can’t Hide! One Lashkar terrorist neutralised by SOG Shopian, in a Jt Op, along with RR and CRPF.”

The joint team comprised the Special Operations Group of Shopian Police, the Army’s 55 Rashtriya Rifles and 44 Rashtriya Rifles, and personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force. Together, they maintained a layered cordon around the area for five days, during which intermittent exchanges of fire took place between the trapped terrorists and the security forces.

Officials had earlier identified the trapped terrorists as Latif and Zakir, both residents of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Zakir has been associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba since 2024, while Latif joined the outfit last year. Their presence in Shopian highlighted the continuing attempts by the banned organisation to expand its influence in south Kashmir despite sustained counter-insurgency operations.

The elimination of one terrorist marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing operation. Security forces are continuing their efforts to neutralise the remaining threats in the area, ensuring that escape routes remain blocked and surveillance is maintained.

This encounter comes against the backdrop of heightened counter-terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir, where security agencies have intensified their focus on dismantling local terror modules while simultaneously preventing infiltration attempts along the Line of Control.

The successful neutralisation in Shopian underscores the coordinated strategy of the Army, police, and paramilitary forces in tackling terrorism in the region. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of prolonged cordon-and-search operations in difficult terrain, where patience and precision are critical to success.

PTI

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Army Corners Two Lashkar Terrorists In Shopian As Counter-Terror Operation Intensifies

The Army on Saturday launched a major counter-terrorist operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district after two local terrorists belonging to the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba were cornered in a dense orchard.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team comprising multiple columns of the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force laid a tight cordon around the Meemandar area to prevent any escape.

The two trapped terrorists, identified through technical intelligence as Latif and Zakir, opened fire on the approaching security personnel. The Army Jawans retaliated effectively, triggering a fierce gunfight in the thickly vegetated orchard.

Officials confirmed that the Army’s specialised counter-insurgency unit, the Victor Force, has deployed additional personnel to plug all possible escape routes and has illuminated the area to deny the terrorists the advantage of cover.

The summer months pose a particular challenge for such operations, as the heavy foliage offers natural concealment. This makes surveillance difficult and allows trapped terrorists to exploit blind spots in an attempt to break cordons. Security forces are therefore maintaining a layered cordon and using advanced surveillance equipment to ensure no escape is possible.

According to security records, the two terrorists are residents of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Zakir is believed to have been associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba since 2024, while Latif joined the outfit last year. Their presence in Shopian highlights the continuing attempts by the banned organisation to expand its footprint in south Kashmir despite sustained counter-insurgency operations.

The operation in Shopian coincided with another significant development in Poonch district, where the Army foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control. Officials reported that alert troops detected suspicious movement and engaged the infiltrators, forcing them to retreat.

This underscores the dual challenge faced by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir—neutralising local terrorist modules while simultaneously preventing cross-border infiltration attempts.

The ongoing operation in Shopian reflects the Army’s strategy of combining precise intelligence inputs with rapid deployment of specialised units. The Victor Force, known for its expertise in counter-insurgency, has been instrumental in several high-profile operations in south Kashmir.

Its deployment in Meemandar indicates the seriousness of the threat posed by the trapped terrorists and the determination of security agencies to eliminate them.

Local residents in Shopian have reported heavy movement of security forces and strict cordon measures in adjoining areas. Authorities have urged civilians to remain indoors and cooperate with the forces to ensure their safety. The situation remains tense, with intermittent firing continuing as the forces close in on the orchard hideout.

The broader security context in Jammu and Kashmir shows a pattern of intensified operations in recent weeks. Security agencies have stepped up surveillance along infiltration-prone sectors in Poonch and Rajouri while simultaneously targeting local terrorist networks in south Kashmir.

The dual operations in Shopian and Poonch highlight the coordinated approach of the Army and allied forces in tackling both internal and external threats.

The outcome of the Shopian operation will be closely watched, as the elimination or capture of Latif and Zakir would mark a significant blow to Lashkar-e-Taiba’s local cadre in south Kashmir. For now, the counter-terrorist operation remains underway, with security forces maintaining a tight grip on the situation.

PTI

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Pakistan Must Stop Backing Cross‑Border Terror — MEA: Indus Waters Treaty Effectively Suspended

India has once again reiterated its uncompromising position on Pakistan’s continued sponsorship of cross‑border terrorism, linking this directly to the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

At a press conference in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that the treaty remains in abeyance and will not be restored until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for terrorism.

He underlined that India’s stance on the matter is consistent and firmly rooted in its national security concerns.

Jaiswal also condemned the recent Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan, which resulted in heavy civilian casualties, including women and children. He noted that India had already expressed its condolences for the loss of innocent lives and reaffirmed its strong support for Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

He stressed that India continues to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, including the supply of medicines and the implementation of development projects aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Afghans.

The spokesperson’s remarks came against the backdrop of a joint statement issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi following their bilateral talks. The two leaders delivered a sharp condemnation of cross‑border terrorism originating from Pakistan, demanding immediate global action to dismantle state‑supported safe havens and financing networks.

They specifically named Lashkar‑e‑Tayyiba, Jaish‑e‑Mohammad, Al-Qaeda and ISIS as entities requiring urgent and concerted international measures. Both leaders stressed that the global community must act decisively to disrupt the nexus between terror financing and transnational crime, and to halt the cross‑border movement of terrorists.

The Pakistani military strikes in Afghanistan targeted the eastern provinces of Paktia, Paktika and Kunar, causing widespread devastation. According to Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson of the Taliban‑led Afghan government, the attacks resulted in the deaths of 36 civilians, including women and children, while 163 others sustained injuries.

He further reported that three residential houses were completely destroyed during the strikes. These figures highlight the severe humanitarian toll of Pakistan’s actions and reinforce India’s call for accountability.

India’s position reflects a broader strategic posture that links regional stability, resource management and international cooperation directly to the issue of state‑sponsored terrorism.

By maintaining the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and intensifying diplomatic coordination with partners such as Japan, New Delhi is signalling that terrorism cannot be compartmentalised or ignored in the conduct of international relations.

The insistence on credible and irreversible action from Pakistan underscores India’s determination to ensure that counter‑terrorism commitments are not reduced to rhetoric but translated into tangible outcomes.

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