In Operation Mahadev, three terrorists were neutralized in the Lidwas area of Srinagar, including the Pahalgam attack mastermind Hashim Musa, also known as Suleiman Shah. This operation was executed through the combined efforts of elite agencies like the 24th Rashtriya Rifles (24 RR), 4 Para Commandos, Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The operation commenced following the tragic massacre of 26 tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. Let's delve into how these agencies succeeded and pinpointed Musa.
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The Pahalgam Attack: A Dark Day
On April 22, 2025, in the picturesque Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, terrorists launched an assault on 26 innocent tourists. The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility, coldly questioning the tourists' faith and ruthlessly shooting those unable to recite Islamic verses. This atrocity shocked the nation, prompting the army to seek justice for the fallen.
Initial Response: On May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor was launched, deploying airstrikes on terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Extended Strategy: However, to apprehend the real culprits behind the Pahalgam massacre, the conceptualization of Operation Mahadev unfolded, stretching over a 14-day operation.
The Daring Agencies That Led the Operation
Four major agencies collaborated seamlessly in this mission...
24 Rashtriya Rifles (24 RR):
This special unit of the Indian Army is celebrated for its expertise in confronting terrorists in Kashmir. Their intelligence and perimeter security skills are unparalleled.
4 Para Commando (4 PARA):
This elite team of the Parachute Regiment excels in stealth assaults and precision targeting, capturing terrorists by surprise.
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Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP):
The local police provided critical area knowledge and intelligence inputs that became key to the operation's success.
CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force):
This central force ensured area security and support, facilitating an uninterrupted operation.
Together, they conducted an exhaustive 14-day search in the Daciigam Forests, culminating in the discovery of Musa on July 28.
How Was Mastermind Musa Traced?
Capturing Hashim Musa wasn't straightforward, but the military and agencies cleverly traced him. Here's how they executed their plan...
Communication Device Clue:
On July 11, 2025, a Chinese satellite phone was detected active in Baisaran, related to the Pahalgam attack. Military surveillance intensified on this device. On July 26, suspicious signals were intercepted again, this time from the Daciigam Forest.
Intelligence Gathering:
Local nomads (nomads) reported sightings of suspicious individuals roaming the forests. The JKP and CRPF connected these pieces to approximate the terrorists' location.
Drone and Tech Excellence:
24 RR and 4 Para utilized indigenous drones and thermal imaging technology to detect hidden terrorists by their body heat in the dense forest.
The Encounter:
On July 28, at 11:30 AM, 4 Para detected the terrorists' tent in Lidwas. The commandos launched a stealth attack, leading to a six-hour firefight that resulted in the termination of all three culprits.
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Preparations:
For the past two weeks, teams from 24 RR, 4 Para, JKP, and CRPF had been diligently scouring Daciigam. Their unyielding efforts bore fruit, and Musa was finally located.
Who Were Musa and His Accomplices?
Hashim Musa (Suleiman Shah):
The mastermind behind the Pahalgam and Sonamarg attacks, a former Pakistani army para-commando who joined Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Yasir and Hamza (Probable):
The other two potential terrorists were Yasir and Hamza, pending confirmation.
Source: aajtak
What Made This Operation Remarkable?
Teamwork:
The coordination between 24 RR, 4 Para, JKP, and CRPF was exemplary.
Technology:
Success was achieved through drone and satellite phone tracking.
Precision:
4 Para's stealth and accuracy left no room for the terrorists.
Their drones monitored terrorist activities even at night. The cyber team diligently traced satellite phone calls.
What Does This Mean for India?
Security:
The neutralization of Musa weakens terrorist threats in Kashmir.
Pride:
The success with indigenous technology and the agencies' dedication boosts national morale.
Challenge:
There may still be lurking terrorists, necessitating ongoing vigilance.
