A fierce gun battle is underway in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, where security forces are engaging four terrorists. According to sources in the security establishment, the encounter initially broke out in Kulgam and then shifted to a forested region of Shopian. Personnel from the Army and paramilitary forces have been battling the terrorists for nearly two hours after intercepting them based on an intelligence tip-off.
Tense Timing Amid Post-Operation Sindoor Climate
The timing of this confrontation holds serious significance. It follows closely after Operation Sindoor, India’s forceful response to the brutal Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 innocent lives were lost. As part of its counteroffensive, India carried out targeted airstrikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), signaling a dramatic shift in policy toward cross-border terrorism.
Modi Declares ‘New Normal’ in Fight Against Terrorism
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation yesterday, outlining the strategic shift introduced by Operation Sindoor. He said, “First, if there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given. We will give a befitting response on our terms only. We will take strict action at every place from where the roots of terrorism emerge.”
He continued, “Secondly, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail.”
Highlighting the role of Pakistan, Modi stated, “Thirdly, we will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism. During Operation Sindoor the world has again seen the ugly face of Pakistan, when top Pakistani army officers came to bid farewell to the slain terrorists. This is strong evidence of state-sponsored terrorism. We will continue to take decisive steps to protect India and our citizens from any threat.”
Airstrikes, Retaliation, and the Aftermath
On May 7, Indian forces launched airstrikes targeting terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan and PoK. These precision attacks were aimed solely at terror camps. In retaliation, Pakistan responded with intense shelling, resulting in civilian casualties, and also launched multiple drones and missiles toward Indian civilian areas. However, India’s air defense successfully intercepted most of these attacks.
Following these developments, India struck back by hitting Pakistan’s key military facilities, including major airbases, causing significant damage. A ceasefire was declared on May 10, but Indian forces have maintained high alert levels, asserting that any future provocation will be met with decisive action.
