Operation Mahadev

Why in News?

Three terrorists were killed in “Operation Mahadev” in Srinagar’s Lidwas area by the Army. Their suspected involvement in the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians, is under investigation. The encounter occurred in the dense Dachigam forest region.

Description:

Nature of Operation:

• A joint counter-terror operation in Jammu & Kashmir.
• Involved: Indian Army (Chinar Corps), CRPF, and J&K Police.
• Launched in response to intelligence on terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam attack.

Why the Name ‘Mahadev’?

• Named after the Mahadev peak in the region.
• Reflects the hilly terrain and religious connotation of the area.

Key Details:

• Location: Lidwas area near Dara and Harwan, close to Dachigam National Park, ~20 km from Srinagar.
• Dates: July 27–28, 2025.
• Forces involved:
  • Indian Army: 24 Rashtriya Rifles & 4 PARA (SF)
  • Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
  • Jammu and Kashmir Police (SOG)

How the Operation Unfolded:

1. Intelligence Input:
   1. Signals of foreign terrorists detected in Dachigam forests.
   1. Suspected connection to Pahalgam massacre.
2. Local Inputs:
   1. Nomads and villagers noticed movement of unknown persons.
3. Mobilization:
   1. Joint deployment of Army, CRPF, and J&K Police teams.
4. Encounter:
   1. Contact made on July 28 at 11 AM.
   1. Three LeT terrorists hiding in a forest hideout were neutralized.
5. Recovery:
   1. Arms, ammunition, and digital evidence seized.
   1. All terrorists confirmed to be Pakistani nationals (Lashkar-e-Taiba).

Pahalgam Attack Connection:

• April 22, 2025: 26 civilians (including women & children) killed in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam.
• Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) claimed responsibility.
• Operation Sindoor earlier targeted PoK terror camps.
• Operation Mahadev is a follow-up to eliminate internal handlers.

Strategic Importance of the Region:

• Dara-Harwan-Dachigam belt:
  • Dense forests, difficult terrain, minimal population.
  • Ideal for infiltration and terrorist hideouts.
• Close to tourist hubs: Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Srinagar.
• Enhanced patrolling, technical surveillance, and community contacts.

Official Statements:

• Chinar Corps (via X): “Contact established in General Area Lidwas. Three terrorists were neutralised. Operation continues.”
• SSP Srinagar: Confirmed LeT affiliation of the slain terrorists.

Operation Mahadev: Why It Matters

• Elimination of foreign terrorists within Indian territory.
• Breakthrough in the Pahalgam terror attack case.
• Strengthened inter-agency coordination and local intelligence networks.
• Demonstrates India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.

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