New Delhi, April 20: The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22 last year shocked the entire nation. In this brutal incident, 26 innocent lives were lost, including 25 tourists. The attackers identified their victims before committing these heinous murders. This act of terrorism not only shamed humanity but also sparked outrage across the country.
In response, the Indian Army engaged in Operation Mahadev, which lasted for 93 days, focusing on surrounding the terrorists. A team from the Para Special Forces pursued the terrorists for nearly 250 kilometers through extremely challenging terrain.
On July 28, 2025, Operation Mahadev reached its conclusion, resulting in the elimination of the terrorists. The final phase involved a 10-hour foot encirclement over a distance of 3 kilometers in a highly complex area. In a precise and swift action, all three terrorists were neutralized.
This extensive operation, spanning 93 days and covering approximately 250 kilometers, ensured justice was served. Immediately after the terrorist attack, Indian Army teams arrived at the scene to initiate an investigation.
Based on eyewitness accounts and information from a military officer present at the site, three Pakistani terrorists were identified. Intelligence networks, human intelligence, technical inputs, and assistance from survivors helped reveal the terrorists’ identities.
The terrorists were identified as Suleiman Shah, Hamza Afghani, and Jibran Bhai, all linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. Following this, the army launched a comprehensive and well-planned operation to locate the terrorists.
Security forces quickly sealed all possible escape routes and monitored every movement of the terrorists. The operation was continuously updated based on the analysis of time, location, and resources. Investigations revealed that the three terrorists were moving through the dense forests of Dachigam and Mahadev Ridge via the routes of Haptonar, Bugmar, and Tral in South Kashmir. The challenging terrain made the operation particularly difficult.
According to defense sources, by the end of May, security agencies had a clearer picture of the situation. With upcoming travel plans, the threat level escalated. Consequently, the operation’s scope was expanded, incorporating special forces, especially the Para Special Forces. This operation, lasting nearly three months, exemplified multi-agency coordination.
The Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces, and intelligence agencies collaborated effectively. Initially, the operational area spanned 300 square kilometers but was gradually reduced to 25 square kilometers. Modern technology played a crucial role throughout the operation.
Drones, remotely piloted aircraft, electro-optical sensors, and other surveillance tools were extensively utilized. Continuous monitoring exerted pressure on the terrorists, limiting their escape routes.
On July 10, 2025, the army’s operation entered a decisive phase, with large-scale encirclement and search operations conducted in Lidwas, Harwan, and Dachigam areas.
The security forces closed off all potential escape routes, confining the terrorists to a limited area. Ultimately, on July 28, 2025, the operation concluded successfully. A team from the Para Special Forces executed a foot encirclement through challenging paths, resulting in the neutralization of all three terrorists.
Defense experts believe that Operation Mahadev symbolizes the Indian Army’s determination, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to national security. It demonstrates that when intelligence agencies, security forces, and modern technology collaborate, decisive success can be achieved even in the most challenging circumstances.
Most importantly, this operation has strengthened the trust of the citizens. The army has shown that no matter where terrorists hide, they will be tracked down and brought to justice.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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