A fresh wave of violence has gripped Jammu and Kashmir, with multiple terrorist encounters reported within a span of 48 hours. As security forces intensify operations in response to credible intelligence inputs, broader geopolitical tensions have emerged in the wake of India’s bold military strike, Operation Sindoor, escalating the already fragile relationship with Pakistan.
OP NADER, Awantipora
On 15 May 2025, based on specific intelligence input from Int agency, a Cordon & Search Operation was launched by #IndianArmy, @JmuKmrPolice and @crpf_srinagar at Nader, Tral, Awantipora.
Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being… pic.twitter.com/LYmkhswL3b— Chinar Corps🍁 - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) May 15, 2025
Encounter in Pulwama’s Tral: One Terrorist Eliminated, Another Injured
On Thursday, a fierce encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Nadir village of Tral, located in the Pulwama district of South Kashmir. The operation was launched jointly by the Special Operations Group (SoG) of Awantipora and the Indian Army following specific intelligence provided by national agencies.
According to an official statement from the Indian Army:
“Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged, terrorists opened heavy fire and fierce gunfight ensued.”
Key Details:
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Location: Nadir, Tral area of Awantipora, Pulwama district.
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Forces Involved: Indian Army and SoG of Awantipora.
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Status: One terrorist killed, another injured.
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Terrorist Hideout: A residential house where 2–3 terrorists were reportedly trapped.
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Current Situation: Area cordoned off with all entry and exit points sealed to prevent escape.
This encounter marks the second major clash in the Valley within a 48-hour span, underscoring the volatile security situation in the region.
Earlier Encounter in Shopian: Three Terrorists Neutralized
Just two days before the Tral encounter, a significant anti-terror operation unfolded in Shopian district on 13 May 2025. Code-named Operation Keller, the mission was based on specific intelligence received by a Rashtriya Rifles unit.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Indian Army reported:
“On 13 May 2025, based on specific intelligence... Indian Army launched a search and destroy operation. Terrorists opened heavy fire, and a fierce firefight ensued, resulting in the elimination of three hardcore terrorists.”
This operation was carried out in Shoekal Keller, Shopian, indicating the growing influence and strategic reach of terrorist outfits across south Kashmir.
#Encounter has started at Nader, Tral area of #Awantipora. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow.@JmuKmrPolice— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) May 15, 2025
Broader Context: Aftermath of the Pahalgam Terror Attack
These encounters follow closely on the heels of a deadly attack on 22 April 2025 in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, mostly tourists. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor—a highly coordinated and strategic military initiative aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure across the border.
On 13 May, the Jammu and Kashmir Police released images of three terror suspects believed to be behind the Pahalgam assault. A reward of ₹20 lakh has been announced for information leading to their capture.
Operation Sindoor: A Major Military Escalation
Operation Sindoor was launched during the intervening night of 6 and 7 May. The Indian Armed Forces conducted precision missile strikes on nine terrorist infrastructure sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Outcomes of Operation Sindoor:
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Destruction of multiple terror training camps.
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Heavy retaliation from Pakistan with cross-border shelling.
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Death toll in Pakistan (as claimed by Pakistani authorities):
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11 military personnel killed.
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78 military personnel injured.
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40 civilians killed and 121 injured.
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India's proactive stance drew sharp international focus, especially given the deteriorating diplomatic ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Ceasefire Agreement and De-escalation Efforts
After four days of intense cross-border exchanges, India and Pakistan reached an “understanding to stop all firing and military action.” This fragile truce has since held, although the frequency and intensity of encounters within Kashmir indicate ongoing instability and deep-rooted terror infrastructure still operating in the region.
Intelligence-Led Operations and Border Security Measures
Even as the gun battles rage in Tral and Shopian, security forces launched a major search operation in the Bhaga area of Reasi district following reports of suspicious movement from local residents.
In a separate but related development, BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chaudhary arrived in Jammu to lead a high-level security review. The agenda includes:
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Anti-infiltration strategies.
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BSF operations in the hinterland.
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Border security assessment.
In parallel, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir to review the security protocols at key airports. Top officials from the police, intelligence agencies, CISF, and others will participate in this high-stakes meeting.
A Volatile Phase in Kashmir’s Security Landscape
The recent encounters in Pulwama and Shopian, paired with the high-profile Operation Sindoor, underscore a significant shift in India’s counter-terrorism posture. While security forces have effectively neutralized multiple terrorist threats in rapid succession, the underlying tension along the Line of Control (LoC) and the continued threat from cross-border terror networks continue to challenge the region’s stability.
With intensified intelligence-led operations, heightened border vigilance, and diplomatic complexities playing out in parallel, the coming weeks are crucial for both national security and regional peace in South Asia.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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