On Tuesday, Indian security forces successfully eliminated three terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in a Shopian Encounter, which is in Jammu and Kashmir. The operation took place in the Keller locality, where forces had initiated a cordon and search operation after receiving credible intelligence regarding the presence of the terrorists.
When the team, including police and army personnel, initiated their combing operation in Shopian, the terrorists fired at them, sparking a fierce gun battle. The exchange was brought to a close when all three terrorists were killed, though their identities are yet to be confirmed by officials.
The move is being taken following a major policy shift by the Indian government. A few days back, India made a statement where it declared that any subsequent act of terror in the country would be treated as an act of war.
A senior government minister made clear, “Any future act of terror in India will be considered an act of war against the country and will be responded to accordingly.” This was a formal shift in India’s rules of engagement and delineated a clear line for terror groups based in Pakistan.
Shift in India’s Approach to Terrorism
The Shopian operation highlights the growing intensity in India’s response to terrorism and its new posture toward Pakistan. Just weeks before this encounter, India and Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire after escalating tensions, particularly after the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22. However, that ceasefire was quickly violated by Pakistan, particularly in Srinagar and other border areas.
Indian military forces struck back on May 7 with precision attacks on terrorist hotbeds in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under ‘Operation Sindoor’. The targeted attacks were followed by Pakistani drone attacks, which targeted areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Thankfully, India’s defense systems intercepted the attacks, but the events have raised concerns of a wider conflict between two nuclear-powered neighbors.
India’s decisive actions and stern stance indicate that it will no longer accept cross-border terrorism, even under threats. The continued conflict highlights the vulnerability of the region, and it is obvious that the situation is still precarious, with India upholding its commitment to national security.
The Path Ahead
The Shopian encounter and increasing tensions with Pakistan are a stark reminder of the explosive nature of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. As India keeps asserting its sovereignty and managing the threat of terrorism, the international community needs to keep an eye out for the growing risks between the two countries.
With India’s new engagement rules, any future act of provocation by Pakistan may result in severe consequences, further making the region unpredictable.
