Lashkar-e-Taiba Commander Zakir Ganai Killed In Encounter In J&K's Shopian After Four-Day Operation

Published 8 July 2026 · general

Lashkar-e-Taiba Commander Zakir Ganai Killed In Encounter In J&K's Shopian After Four-Day Operation Published By, Last Updated: July 08, 2026, 10:28 IST Ganai was among

Lashkar-e-Taiba Commander Zakir Ganai Killed In Encounter In J&K's Shopian After Four-Day Operation Published By, Last Updated: July 08, 2026, 10:28 IST Ganai was among the two terrorists first detected by surveillance cameras in a dense orchard in the area on July 3, triggering an extensive search operation by security forces. Rapid Read Image of Lashkar-e-Taiba Commander Zakir Ganai. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Zakir Ganai was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district on Wednesday, bringing to an end a four-day anti-terror operation. Ganai was among the two terrorists first detected by surveillance cameras in a dense orchard in the area on July 3, triggering an extensive search operation by security forces. Confirming his death, J&K Police wrote on X, “You Can Run But You Can’t Hide! One Lashkar terrorist neutralised by SOG Shopian, in a Jt Op, along with RR and CRPF." You Can Run But You Can’t Hide!One Lashkar terrorist neutralised by SOG Shopian, in a Jt Op, along with RR and CRPF.

J&K Police (@JmuKmrPolice) July 8, 2026 His body has been recovered, marking a significant breakthrough for security forces in the massive anti-terror operation, which entered its fifth day on Wednesday, July 8. Also Read: Big Anti-Terror Operation Underway In J&K’s Shopian, Two Lashkar-e-Taiba Terrorists Trapped Earlier, it was reported that fresh gunshots were heard near the encounter site, and an unidentified body had been recovered in the Chanapora area of Shopian. Following Zakir Ganai’s killing, security forces have intensified efforts to track down the second Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, identified as Latif, who is believed to still be hiding in the area. The search operation, spanning seven villages, remains underway with multiple teams of the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) maintaining a tight cordon and conducting extensive combing operations. The Army’s Victor Force, a specialised counter-insurgency unit, has reinforced the operation by deploying additional troops to block potential escape routes through the dense orchards and illuminate the area for night-time searches.

Officials said the thick summer foliage has complicated surveillance efforts, providing natural concealment that militants can use to evade security cordons. According to security agencies, both Zakir Ganai and the second terrorist, Latif, are natives of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Ganai is believed to have joined Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in 2024, while Latif is said to have become part of the outfit last year. Shopian remains strategically significant because it serves as a key transit route linking south Kashmir with central Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region. Security officials said that although foreign terrorists have increasingly carried out attacks in recent years, neutralising local operatives such as Zakir and locating Latif are considered crucial to dismantling militant support networks and curbing local recruitment. With inputs from PTI News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Prisha Vibhavari Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news.