Operation Nagni TOP: Indian Army Busted Major Terrorist Hideout in Kupwara | Strategic Counterterror Push in J&K

In a significant blow to cross-border terrorism, the Indian Army successfully concluded Operation Nagni TOP, a meticulously planned counter-insurgency operation in the Kalaroos area of Kupwara district, Jammu and Kashmir. This operation signifies not only tactical military success but also a critical message: India’s security forces remain relentless in the fight against terrorism — especially along the volatile Line of Control (LoC).

Operation Nagni TOP

Operation Nagni TOP was a three-day joint operation conducted by the Indian Army in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Border Security Force (BSF). Based on credible intelligence inputs, the forces launched a detailed search operation in the thick forested region of Kalaroos, Kupwara. The operation led to the discovery of a terrorist hideout, carefully concealed in a cave-like structure.

The operation was named "Nagni TOP" due to the terrain and the nature of the hideout, which resembled a hidden serpent’s den — both in strategic depth and lethal intent.

What Was Recovered from the Hideout?

During the search, troops uncovered a stockpile of “war-like stores”, indicating that the location was being used as a base for planned terror activity. The recovered items included:

- One pistol

What makes this operation even more significant is its timing — around the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, a date often exploited by anti-India elements to trigger unrest in Kashmir. By initiating Operation Nagni TOP during this period, security forces sent a clear and assertive message that no complacency will be tolerated and no hideout will be left untouched, no matter how remote or inaccessible.

Kulgam Operation: Parallel Action

While Operation Nagni TOP was underway, another intense encounter occurred in Akhal Devsar, Kulgam district. A joint operation by Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police resulted in neutralizing a heavily armed terrorist. This highlights the spread of terror networks beyond the borders to southern Kashmir.

Kupwara’s Strategic Importance

Kupwara, adjacent to the Line of Control, serves as a critical infiltration route for terrorists. Many arms smuggling routes and sleeper cells have been busted here. Operation Nagni TOP reinforces the strategic necessity to secure and monitor this region.

Indian Army’s Zero Tolerance

This operation displayed high professionalism with no civilian casualties, flawless coordination across forces, and intelligence-led precision. This is aligned with the Indian Army’s strict no-tolerance policy on terrorism.

Operation Mahadev: Precursor

Days before Nagni TOP, Operation Mahadev targeted and neutralized Suleman, a top Lashkar-e-Toiba commander linked to the Pahalgam terror attack, indicating a sustained aggressive anti-terror push.

Click here to read about Operation Mahadev – India’s Counter-Terror Strategy

Conclusion

Operation Nagni TOP marks a strategic victory demonstrating India’s proactive counterterrorism efforts. The focus on preemptive disruption of terror modules is key to maintaining peace and stability in Jammu & Kashmir as infrastructural and integration initiatives advance.