Operation Nader, Importance, Linked Operations, Impact

Operation Nader is a counter terror initiative, currently active in the Nader area of Tral in Awantipora sub-division of Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir. This operation is launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) which reflects the intensified situation on the terrorist network followed by the recent Pahalgam Terror Attack. 

The joint security forces launched Operation Nader in the early hours of 15 May 2025, acting on precise intelligence input indicating the presence of terrorists in the region. Upon entering the Nader village, troops identified suspicious movement. When challenged, the militants opened indiscriminate fire, triggering an exchange of gunfire that continued as the Operation Nader.

Operation Nader

Operation Nader is a coordinated Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) being conducted in a region long known for its militant activity. According to a post shared by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps on the social media platform X, troops observed suspicious activity in the area. The official statement read:

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“On 15 May 2025, based on specific intelligence input from an intelligence agency, a Cordon & Search Operation was launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF at Nader, Tral, Awantipora. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and, on being challenged, terrorists opened heavy fire. A fierce gunfight ensued. Operation is in progress.”

Operation Nader Importance

In response to terror threats in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly following the tragic Pahalgam Terror Attack that resulted in the death of 26 individuals, including 25 tourists, Indian security agencies have launched Operation Nader. The Resistance Front (TRF), a known supporter of the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack.

Operation Nader marks a critical step in India’s counter-terrorism strategy, reflecting a firm zero-tolerance approach toward terrorist activities. The mission highlights the commitment of Indian forces to national security, with intensified efforts to identify, target, and neutralize active terror cells operating in the region.

Operation Nader Linked Operations

Just days before Operation Nader, on 13 May 2025, a similar joint operation was conducted in Keller Forest, Shopian, where three terrorists were neutralised. Among them was a local commander of the LeT/TRF, a significant figure within the terror outfit.

According to the Indian Army’s ADGPI (Additional Directorate General of Public Information), the Shopian operation was launched based on credible intelligence reports. The successful elimination of high-value targets and recovery of arms, including AK-series rifles, grenades, and a large quantity of ammunition, marked a major blow to the militants.

Operation Nader as Anti-Terror Measures

Operation Nader is part of a broader security framework that includes Operation Sindoor, a strike campaign carried out by the Indian forces on 7th May 2025. Under Operation Sindoor, key terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) were destroyed. Nearly 100 terrorists were neutralised in these cross-border strikes, which targeted significant hubs such as Bhawalpur, headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Muridke, a known Lashkar-e-Taiba training camp.

Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir

The involvement of groups like TRF and LeT, both banned terrorist organisations, in recent attacks such as the Pahalgam massacre and Nagrota firing, points to a continued effort to destabilize the region. The Indian government has repeated that any act of terrorism will be treated as an act of war and responded accordingly.

Despite continued diplomatic efforts to maintain peace along the Line of Control (LoC), including the ceasefire agreement initiated on 10 May 2025, persistent violations by Pakistan have significantly ruined the mutual trust. India has repeated its firm position, there will be no resumption of bilateral trade or revival of the Indus Waters Treaty unless Pakistan takes credible and verifiable steps to dismantle the terror networks operating from its territory.

Operation Nader Impact

Frequent ceasefire violations and militant attacks have deeply impacted civilian populations residing near the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border. Over 200 homes and commercial establishments have been reduced to rubble, displacing numerous families who now face uncertainty and loss. Security forces are actively engaged in defusing unexploded mortar shells and clearing hazardous zones to ensure these areas are safe before displaced residents can return. Operation Nader is not merely a counter-terrorism initiative, it is a strategic mission aimed at restoring peace and protecting innocent lives.