Srinagar, July 28: At least three terrorists allegedly involved in the April 22 Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 civilian lives were neutralized on Monday in an intense encounter under Operation Mahadev in the Lidwas area of Harwan, Srinagar.

The joint operation, led by the Indian Army in coordination with the CRPF and Jammu & Kashmir Police, was launched following intelligence inputs about terrorist movement in the upper reaches of Dachigam Forest near Mulnar. The encounter began early this morning, with heavy exchange of fire reported from the dense forest zone.

According to sources, the slain terrorists have been identified as Suleiman Shah alias Hashim Musa, Yasir, and Abu Hamza — all believed to be foreign nationals and high-value targets. Suleiman, a Lashkar-e-Taiba operative, was reportedly the mastermind behind the Pahalgam massacre.

Security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the site, and search operations are still underway to ensure the area is fully cleared of threats6. The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army confirmed the development via social media, stating, “Three terrorists have been neutralized in an intense firefight. Operation continues.”

This successful strike marks a significant milestone in counter-terror efforts in the Kashmir Valley and sends a strong message to terror outfits operating in the region.

The operation remains active, with reinforcements deployed and combing operations ongoing in the surrounding forested terrain, sources said.
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