Security Forces Neutralise Terrorists Behind Pahalgam Attack
Indian security forces have killed three terrorists responsible for the recent civilian killings in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In a joint mission named 'Operation Mahadev,' the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police eliminated the perpetrators in the Harwan area of Srinagar. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the successful operation in Parliament, condemning the "barbaric act" where civilians were killed based on their religion. The operation is seen as a significant counter-terrorism success, addressing a high-profile attack.
Unpacked:
The three terrorists killed were Suleiman Shah (alias Hashim Musa), Afghan, and Jibran. Suleiman Shah was a former Pakistan Army Special Service Group (SSG) commando who became a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander. All three were classified as high-ranking LeT militants involved in the Pahalgam attack.
Operation Mahadev was launched after intelligence linked three LeT terrorists to the April 2025 Pahalgam massacre. Security forces tracked their movements using surveillance and intercepted communications for 14 days. The operation was meticulously planned and executed in the forests near Mahadev Peak, with joint participation from the Army, CRPF, and J&K Police.
The operation was named after Mahadev Peak, a prominent landmark near Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The terrorists were hiding in the dense forests at the foothills of this peak, which also has religious significance in the region. The naming reflects both the operation’s location and the challenging terrain involved.
Operation Mahadev is considered a significant counter-terrorism success, demonstrating the capability and resolve of Indian forces against cross-border terrorism. It is likely to disrupt Lashkar-e-Taiba’s activities in the region and serves as a deterrent, but security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir remain due to ongoing infiltration and militancy risks.