July 28, 2025 — In a significant blow to cross-border terrorism, security forces gunned down three heavily armed terrorists in the Lidwas area near Srinagar during a high-stakes joint operation codenamed ‘Operation Mahadev’. Among the neutralised terrorists was Suleiman Shah, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba operative and the alleged mastermind behind the April 22 Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
High-Intensity Encounter in Dachigam Forest Region
The operation was launched early Monday morning by a joint team comprising the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF. Acting on specific intelligence inputs about the movement of foreign terrorists, the forces tracked the suspects to the Lidwas region, nestled between the Zabarwan and Mahadev ridges, close to Dachigam National Park.
An Army spokesperson from the Chinar Corps confirmed that contact was established with the terrorists around 11 am, following which a fierce gunfight broke out in the densely forested area. “All three terrorists were eliminated after a prolonged exchange of fire,” the spokesperson stated.
Slain Terrorists Identified
According to top security sources, the three killed militants were Pakistani nationals affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba. They have been identified as:
- Suleiman Shah – The alleged planner of the Pahalgam terror strike.
- Abu Hamza
- Yasir – Also suspected to have participated in the April 22 massacre.
Authorities believe Shah and Yasir played direct roles in orchestrating and executing the Pahalgam carnage. Their presence in the region was tracked over several weeks following coordinated surveillance.
Weapons and Ammunition Recovered
From the encounter site, security personnel recovered a significant cache of arms, including:
- A U.S.-made carbine
- An AK-47 assault rifle
- 17 rifle grenades
- Additional warlike stores and equipment
Officials noted that the advanced weaponry suggests cross-border support and logistical planning behind the group’s movement and intentions.
Ongoing Investigation into Pahalgam Attack Link
While two of the deceased are directly linked to the Pahalgam attack, which shocked the nation earlier this year, security agencies are continuing forensic and intelligence-based verification. A senior police officer stated that while preliminary identification is complete, a formal confirmation will take “some time” as technical assessments are underway.
National Security and Political Context
The encounter coincided with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s address in Parliament during the Operation Sindoor debate, underlining the government’s renewed push against terrorism in the region. Officials hailed the operation as a “major success” in India’s counter-terror efforts.
Operation Mahadev has not only neutralised key terror figures but also reaffirmed India’s commitment to eliminating threats posed by foreign militants operating in Jammu and Kashmir. The mission also signals heightened coordination among intelligence and security agencies in neutralising high-profile threats to civilian life and national security.
This operation is expected to have a significant impact on ongoing anti-terror initiatives in Kashmir, particularly as officials continue to dismantle networks tied to April’s brutal civilian massacre in Pahalgam.