Security Forces Press Hunt for Two LeT Operatives in J&K Orchard on Day Two
An ongoing security operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district entered its second day on Sunday, July 5, 2026, as security forces resumed their search for two local militants of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit. The militants were believed to be cornered in a dense orchard in the Meemandar area, officials said.
The search operation, which began on Friday, July 3, after surveillance cameras spotted the two individuals, had been paused overnight. Security personnel from multiple columns of the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have formed a tight cordon around the area, covering seven villages. By Saturday evening, four villages were cleared of residents to ensure safety and minimise collateral damage.
Officials identified the trapped militants as Latif and Zakir, both residents of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. According to security records, Zakir has been associated with the LeT since 2024, while Latif joined the group last year. The two opened fire on approaching Army personnel, who returned fire, triggering an exchange that continued intermittently.
The Army’s specialised counter-insurgency unit, the Victor Force, has deployed additional troops to seal all possible escape routes through the thick foliage of the orchard. During the summer months, the dense vegetation provides natural cover, complicating surveillance and allowing militants to exploit blind spots. Searchlights have been set up to illuminate the area overnight.
Shopian has historically served as a critical transit corridor connecting south Kashmir to central Kashmir and the Pir Panjal range. Officials noted that while foreign militants are increasingly used for attacks, containing local operatives like Latif and Zakir is crucial to disrupting logistics networks and breaking the cycle of local recruitment.
The operation continues with caution, as security forces aim to neutralise the threat without causing harm to civilians. Further updates are awaited as the search enters its critical phase.
