3 Suspected Pahalgam Terrorists Killed in Operation Mahadev, Says Army
In a significant breakthrough for national security forces, three suspected Pakistani terrorists, allegedly involved in the Pahalgam terror attack, were killed in an encounter near Mount Mahadev in Srinagar. The operation, codenamed ‘Operation Mahadev,’ was a joint effort between the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
According to top security sources, the terrorists are believed to be part of The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, which previously claimed responsibility for the deadly attack in Baisaran Valley that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, mostly tourists, over three months ago.
The encounter began on Monday morning around 11:30 AM in the Lidwas area of Srinagar, following credible intelligence reports. The 24 Rashtriya Rifles and 4 PARA units detected and eliminated the terrorists using superior tactical maneuvers and maintaining an element of surprise.
Build-Up to the Encounter
The Army intercepted suspicious communications two days prior in the Dachigam forest area, indicating the movement of foreign militants. Local nomads provided critical information, pointing out the unusual activity of armed men in the forests, confirming the Army’s suspicions.
Following this intelligence, multiple Army teams were dispatched to the area. The successful neutralization of the trio also led to the recovery of several grenades and firearms, confirming their hostile intent and foreign origin.
Parliament Discussion and Political Implications
This counterterror operation coincides with a scheduled discussion in Parliament regarding the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, which is India’s military response to terror sponsored by Pakistan. The opposition has strongly criticized the government for its failure to track down the perpetrators of the April attack, which shocked the nation. The massacre in Baisaran Valley, often referred to as “mini Switzerland,” was particularly brutal, with eyewitnesses stating that the attackers deliberately targeted men and non-Muslims.
Significance of the Operation
This operation represents a significant blow to cross-border terrorism and reaffirms India’s commitment to delivering justice. Security forces believe that this success will send a strong message to terror outfits operating in the region.
