A Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant was killed in an encounter between militants and security forces in south Kashmir’s Shopian district.

Police officials said the encounter broke out in Channapora village of Shopian after security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the village following specific inputs about the presence of terrorists in the village.

As the security forces zeroed in, the hiding militants opened fire, which was retaliated by the security forces. The two militants were also captured on a surveillance camera.

On Wednesday, the police said security forces recovered the body of an LeT militant during a search operation. He has been identified as Zakir Ahmad Ganie.

Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said based on specific intelligence input from Jammu and Kashmir Police, a joint search operation was launched

“During the search operation, an exchange of fire took place between security forces and terrorists,” the Army said.

The Army said one LeT terrorist, identified as Zakir Ganie, has been eliminated in the firefight. “Arms, ammunition and other war-like stores were seized. The operation is in progress,” the Army said.

Sources said Zakir hails from neighbouring Kulgam and was active since 2024.

J&K Police posted on X, “You can run but you can’t hide! One Lashkar terrorist was neutralised by SOG (Special Operation Group of J&K Police) Shopian in a joint operation along with RR (Rashtriya Rifles) and CRPF.”

Apart from Ganie, the other trapped terrorist is believed to be Latif, who joined the outfit last year.

This encounter is the first gunfight between militants and the security forces in the Kashmir Valley this year.

The Army's specialised counter-insurgency unit, Victor Force, has deployed additional personnel to seal all possible escape routes through the thick orchard foliage, besides lighting up the area.

Shopian has historically served as a critical transit corridor connecting south Kashmir to central Kashmir and the Pir Panjal range.