Indian forces carried out a decisive counter‑terrorism operation named Operation Mahadev on 28 July 2025 in the outskirts of Srinagar near Dachigam Forest. During this operation, three terrorists were neutralised, including Hashim Musa, aka Suleman Shah, widely identified as the mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror attack of April this year.
1. Who was Hashim Musa?
Hashim Musa was a former commando in Pakistan’s elite Special Service Group (SSG). After being dismissed from service, he joined Lashkar‑e‑Taiba (LeT) and was deployed to Jammu & Kashmir to orchestrate attacks against non-local civilians and security forces.
Investigators discovered his identity after interrogation of local over‑ground workers, confirming his prior military training and involvement. Musa was also linked to earlier terror incidents in Ganderbal (Oct 2024) and Baramulla, where civilians, soldiers, and porters were killed.
2. What was the Pahalgam terror attack?
On 22 April 2025, a group of terrorists stormed a tourist convoy in Pahalgam, killing 26 people—mainly tourists. This massacre shocked the nation. Security agencies quickly launched investigations, identifying Musa as the key planner deployed by Pakistan’s terror network.
3. Details of Operation Mahadev
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Date & location: 28 July 2025, near Lidwas / Harwan area just outside Srinagar.
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Forces involved: Indian Army para commandos, supported by Jammu & Kashmir Police and CRPF.
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Intelligence: The encounter followed interception of suspicious communications, plus a blend of human and technical intelligence leading to pinpoint operation.
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Outcome: Three terrorists killed—Musa among them. The army also recovered arms and ammunition, indicating extensive terror planning. The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha commended security personnel and reaffirmed India’s firm stance against terrorism.
4. Why this matters: Strategic & Security Implications
This successful mission marks a major win in India’s campaign against cross-border terrorism. Neutralising Musa eliminates a highly trained operative with lethal capabilities, disrupting terror command structures in the region. It sends a strong message: terror sponsors and operatives will be hunted and held accountable.
Indian forces have demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence-led operations. Leveraging surveillance, signals intercepts, local informants, and precise tactics, they achieved a surgical strike with minimal collateral impact.