- Operation Launched: Acting on key intelligence, Indian Army (Chinar Corps), J&K Police, and CRPF launched “Operation Mahadev” in Lidwas area near Dachigam National Park, Harwan, on the outskirts of Srinagar.
- The Encounter: Early on July 28, security forces cordoned off the hilly, forested terrain after spotting militant presence. As they advanced, a fierce firefight broke out; reinforcements and drones were deployed.
- Terrorists Neutralised: Three heavily armed terrorists—suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives—were gunned down. Authorities suspect they were involved in the recent Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, but official identification is pending.
- Link to Pahalgam Attack: One neutralised terrorist is believed to be Hasim Musa, the mastermind behind the Pahalgam attack. Their location was traced after a Chinese satellite phone, used in April’s attack, reappeared nearby.
- Ongoing Operations: Forces are still searching for more militants. The rugged area is a known militant corridor and close to the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage route, increasing the sensitivity of the operation.
Operation Mahadev signals a strong, swift response to recent terror incidents and aims to enhance security across Kashmir.
