In a high-intensity counter-terror encounter in Srinagar, Indian security forces on Monday launched Operation Mahadev following precise intelligence input about terrorist movement near Harwan, close to the Dachigam National Park. According to The Times of India, the daring operation resulted in the elimination of three militants, believed to be foreign terrorists linked to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Security officials revealed that two to three terrorists were initially trapped in the Lidwas forest area, nestled between Mount Mahadev and the Zabarwan hills—a zone known for its dense terrain and challenging access. Acting swiftly on intercepted signals and local inputs, Indian Army personnel, in coordination with the CRPF and Jammu & Kashmir Police, initiated a cordon and search operation at the break of dawn.
The Chinar Corps, which oversees counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir, confirmed the engagement with a statement that “contact has been established” and that Operation Mahadev was underway. Residents of Harwan reported hearing multiple rounds of gunfire and spotting increased troop activity along the rugged ridgelines of the forested valley.
Intelligence Trigger and Tactical Precision
Security agencies had intercepted suspicious communications in recent days, suggesting militant activity in the Harwan–Dachigam belt. The intercepted data, reportedly traced to handlers in Pakistan, prompted immediate action. Nomadic communities in the area also provided critical corroborative intelligence, aiding forces in pinpointing the location.
Sources suggest that the name ‘Operation Mahadev’ was chosen because the encounter unfolded in the shadow of Mount Mahadev, a high-altitude area with dense foliage and rugged terrain—ideal for militant hideouts.
Encounter and Elimination
The operation escalated quickly after forces sighted the militants. An intense exchange of fire followed, with troops using aerial surveillance to monitor movements through the thick forest. In the ensuing gunbattle, three terrorists were gunned down. Their identities are yet to be confirmed, but initial reports suggest they were foreign operatives linked to the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba or its proxy wing, The Resistance Front.
Security forces also recovered weapons, grenades, and ration supplies from the militants’ hideout, indicating they had been camping in the region for several days. The encounter site is being combed thoroughly for any remaining traces or collaborators.
Link to Pahalgam Attack
Officials believe the militants may be the same group involved in the Pahalgam attack earlier this year, which claimed over two dozen lives and triggered widespread outrage across the nation. That attack had targeted a bus carrying pilgrims and civilians, and was among the deadliest assaults in recent memory.
With Operation Mahadev, forces are hopeful that the masterminds of the Pahalgam incident have been neutralised, although DNA verification and formal identification are still pending.
High-Alert and Civilian Safety
The encounter site near Lidwas falls in proximity to key tourist zones, including Dachigam and the route to the Amarnath Yatra. Authorities have issued a high alert and bolstered security in all sensitive locations to ensure the safety of pilgrims and locals. So far, no civilian casualties have been reported.
The successful neutralisation has brought temporary relief to a region often on edge, but officials remain cautious. Operations in similar terrains are being reviewed, and fresh surveillance has been initiated across other suspected infiltration corridors.
A Clear Message
Military analysts view Operation Mahadev as a tactical success and a strategic message—that India’s counter-terror operations have become increasingly intelligence-driven, precise, and relentless. It also showcases improved coordination between the armed forces, police, and local communities.
As the region prepares for heightened security during the remaining months of the pilgrimage season, the message from the Harwan encounter is loud and clear: militancy will not be tolerated, and each act of terror will face swift retribution.
Photo Credit: Deccan Herald
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