Today marks the third Monday of Sawan, a day when temples across the nation are thronged by devotees of Lord Shiva. However, in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army unveiled a distinctive 'third eye.' Under Operation Mahadev, three terrorists linked to the Pahalgam attack were neutralized in the Lidwas area of Srinagar. This operation unfolded 96 days post the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists.
Why Did Shiva's Third Eye Open on This Third Monday?
Today, July 28, 2025, signifies an important third Monday of Sawan, revered for Lord Shiva. Hindu mythology suggests Shiva's third eye opens to abolish wrongdoers out of wrath. The operation's name, Mahadev, was chosen to protect the spiritual and cultural essence of Kashmir, exemplified by the Amarnath Yatra.
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Source: aajtak
Operation's Launch: Teams from 24 RR, 4 Para, JKP, and CRPF were on a terrorist hunt in the Dachigam area for two weeks. A communication device activated on July 26, intensifying operations in Lidwas and Dachigam jungles from 11:30 AM.
Engagement: A coincidental encounter happened. The 4 Para team spotted the terrorists' camp in the forest unaware. A stealth operation neutralized them after a six-hour gunfight.
Cultural Message: This operation on such a day is a testament to the firm commitment against terror.
Also Read: Operation Mahadev: Hasim Musa, Pahalgam Attack Mastermind, Eliminated, Dachigam Encounter Pictures Emerge
How Were the Terrorists Neutralized?
Role of Communication Device: A Chinese-satellite phone that activated on July 11 in Baisaran indicated terrorist presence. The joint forces with input from nomads identified terrorists roaming the area.
Chance Encounter: A cordon was laid two days prior. On July 28, 4 Para discovered the terrorists' camp. Sources suggest they were sleeping, following their usual tactic to switch between movement and rest to survive longer, but luck didn't favor them this time.
Swift Action: The 4 Para team executed a precise ambush. The terrorists did not have a chance to retaliate and were neutralized instantly.
Source: aajtak
Who Were the Terrorists?
Hashim Musa (Abu Sulaiman):
The mastermind behind the Pahalgam and Sonamarg attacks. He had altered his appearance by losing weight, but the army identified him.
Yasir and Hamza (Possibly):
The other two terrorists could be Yasir and Hamza, pending confirmation. They were affiliated with Lashkar.
What Was Found with the Terrorists?
After the encounter, the army recovered arsenal and materials from the terrorists...
AK-47 Rifle: A rapid firearm with a 300-meter range.
M4 Carbine: An American weapon with a 500-meter range.
Hand Grenades: Capable of exploding within 15-20 meters.
IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices): Prepared for significant attacks.
Satellite Phone: No new communication device found, but the existing phone serves as evidence.
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Pahalgam Attack: What Was That Dark Day?
On April 22, 2025, terrorists attacked Bisern Valley in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, targeting 26 tourists. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba affiliate, orchestrated this assault. The terrorists questioned the tourists' religion, opening fire on those unable to recite Islamic verses, resulting in the deaths of 25 Indians and one Nepalese citizen, sparking widespread national outrage and grief.
Initial Response:
Subsequently on May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor was executed, targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan and PoK with airstrikes.
Long-Term Strategy:
To eradicate terrorist roots, the army devised an extensive 96-day operation, named Operation Mahadev.
