Operation Mahadev: confirms Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha that all three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam terror attack were killed in Operation Mahadev. Read full details of the joint operation by Indian forces in Srinagar.
In a major counter-terrorism success, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on July 29 that all three terrorists involved in the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack have been neutralized in Operation Mahadev, a joint offensive carried out by the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha during a debate on Operation Sindoor, Shah hailed the bravery and efficiency of the Indian security forces, reaffirming the Modi government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
Three Terrorists Killed in Srinagar’s Harwan Area
The joint anti-terror operation unfolded in the Harwan area near Dachigam National Park, Srinagar. The terrorists, identified as Suleman, Afghan, and Jibran, were cornered in a forested region near Lidwas, following precise intelligence input.
The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, along with CRPF and local police units, launched a coordinated mission early Monday. A brief but intense gunfight ensued, during which all three terrorists were gunned down.
Confirmed Link to Pahalgam Attack
Amit Shah provided conclusive evidence linking the slain terrorists to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which had resulted in the death of 26 innocent civilians. Ballistic tests conducted by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Chandigarh matched the weapons seized from the encounter site with cartridges recovered from the Pahalgam attack scene.
“The FSL report was already ready. The weapons used by these three were matched yesterday. This confirmed they were responsible for the April 22 massacre,” Shah told the Parliament.
The identification of the terrorists was corroborated by four individuals, including two arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). These individuals had earlier provided shelter and food to the terrorists, as revealed by Shah.
NIA’s Role and Early Arrests
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) played a key role in arresting several aides who had provided logistical support to the terrorists. Shah stated that these arrests helped security forces to track down and eliminate the attackers.
“Those who gave them shelter are already behind bars. Those who fed them were detained. And yesterday, the actual killers were eliminated,” said the Home Minister.
Operation Mahadev: A Retaliatory Strike
Operation Mahadev is part of India’s larger counter-terror strategy following Operation Sindoor, which included precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The coordinated military actions are being seen as a decisive retaliation to the brutal Pahalgam attack.
Emotional Address to the Nation
Amit Shah shared a heart-wrenching account of meeting victims’ families after the Pahalgam attack.
“I met a woman who had been widowed just six days after her wedding. That image will never leave me,” Shah said, adding, “I assure the people of India that we will hunt down every last terrorist and those who support them.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Joins in Praise
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who also addressed the Lok Sabha during the debate on Operation Sindoor, applauded the armed forces for their swift and surgical action. He emphasized that India will not tolerate cross-border terrorism and will respond with strength and resolve.
What is Operation Mahadev?
- Launched: July 29, 2025
- Location: Mulnar area of Harwan, near Dachigam National Park, Srinagar
- Objective: Eliminate the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack
- Agencies Involved: Indian Army (Chinar Corps), CRPF, Jammu & Kashmir Police
- Outcome: All three terrorists killed
Public Sentiment and Political Reactions
The successful completion of Operation Mahadev has triggered a wave of public support and political praise. Families of the victims expressed relief and gratitude for the swift action, while analysts hailed it as a significant counter-terror victory for India.
Operation Mahadev marks a milestone in India’s fight against terrorism, sending a clear message to those who dare to disturb the nation’s peace. With solid coordination among military and investigative agencies, the Modi government has demonstrated its commitment to justice, national security, and the safety of every Indian citizen.
This successful operation not only brings closure to the Pahalgam terror attack victims but also reinforces the confidence of the nation in its armed forces and intelligence apparatus.