Srinagar, July 5: Security forces continued a massive anti-terror operation in south Kashmir’s Shopian district for a second consecutive day on Sunday to hunt for two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists cornered in a dense orchard.

The operation entered its second day today with Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force tightening the cordon around the Meemandar area, where the terrorists were first spotted by surveillance cameras on Saturday.
According to sources, the two trapped terrorists have been identified as Zakir and Latif, both residents of Kulgam district in south Kashmir.
Zakir is believed to have been associated with the banned LeT since 2024, while Latif joined the outfit last year.
After the launch of search operation, there was a brief exchange of gunfire between the terrorists and security forces.
Despite the exchange of fire, both terrorists are believed to remain trapped inside the orchard, with search operations continuing to prevent any escape, sources said.
The Army's specialised counter-insurgency unit, Victor Force, has deployed additional personnel to seal all possible escape routes through the thick foliage.
Security forces have also illuminated the area to counter the natural cover provided by the dense orchard during the summer months, which can create blind spots and complicate surveillance.
Shopian has served as a key transit corridor linking south Kashmir with central Kashmir and the Pir Panjal range.
“Ganie, a resident of Kulgam district in south Kashmir, is a suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba operative and is classified as an A category terrorist by security agencies,” sources said.
They said he is wanted in multiple terror-related cases and was the subject of a proclamation notice issued by an NIA court in Kulgam in October 2025.