In a major breakthrough following the Pahalgam terror attack, top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Altaf Lalli was killed on Friday in a fierce encounter with security forces in the Kulnar Ajas area of Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir. The joint operation was carried out by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police based on specific intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the area. Two police personnel sustained injuries during the gunfight.
This encounter is part of intensified counter-terror efforts in the wake of the brutal Pahalgam attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 people — 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali tourist — and injured several others at Baisaran meadow.
The Chinar Corps confirmed the operation on social media, stating, “On April 25, 2025, based on specific input, a Joint Search Operation was launched in the general area of Kolnar Ajas, Bandipora. Contact was established and a firefight ensued.”
OP KOLNAR, Bandipora
On 25 Apr 2025, based on specific intelligence input regarding presence of terrorists, a Joint Search Operation was launched by #IndianArmy and @JmuKmrPolice in general area Kolnar Ajas, Bandipora. Contact was established and firefight ensued.
Operation is…
— Chinar Corps🍁 – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) April 25, 2025
In response to the Pahalgam massacre, the Indian government has initiated strong diplomatic and military actions. Steps involve closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post (ICP), withdrawal of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals and making them depart in 40 hours. Diplomatic personnel at High Commissions too are being tapered.
In face of public indignation, all-India agitations have broken out calling for more severe action. Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Srinagar and is expected to visit Baisaran meadow to review security measures.
Meanwhile, authorities demolished the homes of two terrorists allegedly involved in the attack. Adil Hussain Thoker’s house in Bijbehara was destroyed using explosives, while Asif Sheikh’s residence in Tral was bulldozed.
Thokar, alias Adil Guree, is a LeT member. He had legally gone to Pakistan in 2018, where he was said to have undergone terror training, and had come back to Jammu and Kashmir last year.
