In News:

On 13 May 2025, the Indian Army, in coordination with the J&K Police and CRPF, launched Operation Keller, a targeted counter-terrorism operation in the Keller forests of Shopian district, Jammu & Kashmir. The operation led to the elimination of three terrorists, including Shahid Kuttay, the chief of The Resistance Front (TRF) and the alleged mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror attack.

Key Objectives:

• Neutralise terrorists affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
• Specifically eliminate Shahid Kuttay, involved in the April 2025 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.
• Secure volatile forested zones in South Kashmir to prevent future infiltrations and retaliatory threats.

Details of the Operation:

• Launch Date: 13 May 2025
• Location:Shoekal Keller forest area, Shopian district, J&K
• Conducted By: Indian Army (Rashtriya Rifles), J&K Police, CRPF
• Method: Intelligence-based search and destroy mission
• Outcome: Elimination of three hardcore terrorists after a fierce gunfight; operation ongoing.

Pahalgam Terror Attack Link:

• Posters announcing ?20 lakh bounty per terrorist involved in the Pahalgam killings were circulated in Pulwama.
• J&K Police released sketches identifying the three LeT-linked terrorists responsible.
• Operation Keller targeted the network allegedly behind this attack.

About Shopian District:

• Location: Southern Kashmir Valley; bordered by Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam, and PirPanjal mountains.
• Elevation: ~2,146 metres; experiences harsh winters (up to −7°C).
• Economy: Agriculture-based, especially apple orchards.
• History:
  • Upgraded to district status in 2007 (earlier part of Pulwama).
  • Lies along the historic Mughal Road connecting Lahore and Srinagar.
• Name Origin: Possibly from “Shah-payan” (royal stay) or “Shin-van” (snow forest).