The weapons used by terrorists to kill innocent civilians in Pahalgam were recovered from terrorists killed in a military operation, confirmed Union Home Minister Amit Shah in parliament this morning. Three Pakistani terrorists involved in the Pahalgam massacre were killed on the outskirts of Srinagar, said Mr Shah, apprising the Lok Sabha about the 'Operation Mahadev'.

In a meticulously coordinated mission, Indian security forces neutralized three terrorists, including the alleged mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack, Suleiman Shah alias Hashim Musa, in an intense gun battle in Srinagar. The high-level operation, named Operation Mahadev, was the result of days of surveillance and strategic planning.

Suleiman Shah was not just any operative—he was a former commando of Pakistan’s elite Special Service Group (SSG). He later joined Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a terror group led by UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed. His background in military combat and specialized training made him a high-value target.

The Build-Up: Tracking the Terror Cell

Indian intelligence had been monitoring the terror group for several days. The breakthrough came at 2 AM when the terrorists activated the T82 ultraset communications device—a highly secure, encrypted system. This signal gave Indian agencies the location they needed.

At 8 AM, a surveillance drone was deployed, confirming the presence of the group in the dense Dachigam forests. By 9:30 AM, troops from the Rashtriya Rifles and elite Para Special Forces began moving toward Mahadev Hill. By 10 AM, the commandos had reached visual range.

The operation unfolded quickly—within 30 minutes, the commandos identified the terrorists, and by 11 AM, gunfire erupted. The initial burst fatally wounded all three targets. One of the terrorists, severely injured, tried to escape but was gunned down by 11:45 AM. A cleanup operation covered a two-kilometre radius to ensure there were no other threats in the vicinity. By 12:45 PM, the bodies were recovered and confirmed.

Recoveries and Intel: A Glimpse into Their Arsenal

Operation Mahadev also uncovered a heavily stocked terror hideout deep in the forest. A photo accessed from the site revealed multiple firearms, including AK-47s, carbines, and 17 rifle grenades. Ammunition and other tactical supplies were also found.

This cache suggests that the terrorists were planning a high-impact assault in Jammu and Kashmir. Their preparations indicated long-term planning, suggesting that more such attacks were being plotted.

Operation Sindoor: A Measured Retaliation Beyond Borders

India’s retaliation wasn’t limited to within its borders. On the night of May 6–7, Indian forces launched Operation Sindoor—a precise offensive targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

At around 1 AM, Indian forces carried out calibrated strikes on nine strategic locations that had been previously linked to cross-border terrorism. These included:

Muridke – Headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba run by Hafiz Saeed.
Bahawalpur – Base of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), led by Masood Azhar.

These sites served as launchpads for infiltration, weapons training, and coordination for attacks against India. The operation's name, Sindoor, was chosen in memory of the women widowed in the brutal Pahalgam attack—a poignant and symbolic message.

Strategic Impact: Message to Terror Networks

With both Operation Mahadev and Operation Sindoor, India has reaffirmed its policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. These missions highlight the country's enhanced surveillance, intelligence coordination, and readiness to strike decisively—both internally and across borders.

The precision, planning, and swift execution of these missions send a loud message: India will act firmly against those who aim to destabilize peace in the region.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Related Topics