Source: HT
Context: The Indian Army neutralised Shahid Kuttay, chief of The Resistance Front (TRF) and mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack, in Operation Keller in Shopian, Jammu & Kashmir.
About Operation Keller:
- What is Operation Keller?
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- A search and destroy mission initiated on 13 May 2025 in Shoekal Keller, Shopian, based on intelligence from the Rashtriya Rifles.
- Conducted by: Indian Army, in coordination with J&K Police and CRPF.
- Objectives:
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- Neutralise TRF terrorists responsible for Pahalgam attack (26 civilian deaths).
- Eliminate Shahid Kuttay, a top commander and proxy of Pakistan-backed LeT.
- Prevent retaliatory threats and secure volatile areas.
About Shopian District:
- Location & Geography
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- Located in the southern part of Kashmir Valley, Jammu & Kashmir.
- Bordered by: Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam, and Pir Panjal mountains.
- Altitude: 2,146 metres above sea level; experiences sub-zero winters (as low as −7°C).
- Historical & Economic Importance:
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- Granted district status in 2007 (formerly a tehsil of Pulwama).
- Ancient trade route: Part of the Mughal Road linking Lahore to Srinagar.
- Economy: Primarily driven by apple orchards and agriculture.
- Local etymology: Believed to derive from “Shah-payan” (royal stay) or “Shin-van” (snow forest).
