Srinagar : In a major counter-terrorism breakthrough, security forces on Sunday launched Operation Mahadev in the forested region near Dachigam National Park on the outskirts of Srinagar, killing three terrorists, including the alleged mastermind behind the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
The joint operation was carried out by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, CRPF, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, following precise intelligence inputs about the presence of militants near Harwan, Mulnar, and Lidwas areas.
The slain terrorists have been identified as Suleman Shah, Abu Hamza, and Yasir, all affiliated with the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its proxy group The Resistance Front (TRF). According to officials, Suleman Shah is believed to have planned the deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 civilian lives, including many tourists.
During the encounter, a large cache of sophisticated weapons, including US-made rifles, AK-47s, and grenades, was recovered, indicating a well-equipped and organized terror module.
The codename “Operation Mahadev” was inspired by the nearby Mahadev Peak, symbolizing the strategic importance of the area. This operation follows a massive crackdown launched after the Pahalgam incident, during which over 1,400 suspected overground workers (OGWs) were detained across the Kashmir Valley.
Security forces are continuing search operations in the surrounding forest areas to track down any remaining militants. The successful execution of Operation Mahadev is being seen as a strong message against cross-border terrorism and a major step toward dismantling terror networks in Jammu and Kashmir.
