Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have launched a fresh counter-terror operation targeting militants suspected of involvement in the Pahalgam massacre. According to reports, three terrorists have been neutralized during an encounter under Operation Mahadev. Although the authorities have yet to issue an official confirmation, initial intelligence suggests a possible connection between the killed militants and the deadly Pahalgam attack of April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 people.

Operation Mahadev: Coordinated Strike Against Militants

Security agencies, including the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF, jointly initiated Operation Mahadev following credible inputs about the presence of terrorists in the Lidwas area of Srinagar. The operation was launched after intelligence teams intercepted suspicious conversations in Dacchigam forest areas two days prior. Acting swiftly on this information, a combined team surrounded the suspected hideouts and engaged in a fierce exchange of fire.

As per official statements from the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army, the encounter resulted in the elimination of three militants after heavy gunfire. The operation remains ongoing, with security forces continuing combing operations to ensure no other threat persists in the area.

Intelligence Inputs and Lead-Up to the Encounter

Reports suggest that the operation was planned meticulously after tracing communication signals linked to known terror groups operating in the valley. The intercepted conversations hinted at plans for another attack, prompting security forces to move quickly. Troops were deployed to Lidwas, sealing all entry and exit routes to prevent any escape.

According to sources, the encounter lasted several hours, with the militants heavily armed and prepared for resistance. Despite this, security forces managed to neutralize the threat with minimal collateral damage.

Link to the Pahalgam Massacre

The April 22 Pahalgam attack remains one of the most shocking incidents in recent times, where 26 tourists were killed in a brutal assault at Baisaran Valley. Initially, The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the massacre. However, the group later retracted its statement, causing confusion over the real perpetrators.

Investigations conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other intelligence bodies have consistently pointed toward Pakistan-backed terror outfits like LeT and ISI being involved in the planning and execution of the attack. With the killing of these three terrorists, authorities are now examining ballistic evidence, weapons, and communication devices recovered from the site to determine their role in the Pahalgam massacre.

Indian Army’s Response to Cross-Border Terrorism

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam killings, the Indian Army had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror hideouts across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied areas. The retaliatory action aimed to dismantle the infrastructure that supported the cross-border infiltration and attacks.

The success of Operation Mahadev is seen as a continuation of this strategy, with the Indian security apparatus maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward any militant activity in the region. Senior officials have reiterated that every terror attempt will be met with decisive and precise action.

Eyewitness Accounts and Local Impact

Residents of the Lidwas area reported hearing heavy gunfire and explosions during the encounter. Security forces ensured that civilians were evacuated from vulnerable zones before the operation began. Checkpoints were established across nearby roads to monitor movement and prevent militant reinforcements.

Local reports suggest that schools and marketplaces in the vicinity remained closed during the encounter. Authorities have assured that normalcy will be restored soon as the area is being thoroughly sanitized for any remaining threats.

TRF and Lashkar-e-Taiba Under Scanner

The TRF, which has often acted as a shadow organization for Lashkar-e-Taiba, is suspected of orchestrating multiple attacks across Jammu and Kashmir. Intelligence officials believe that the recent surge in militant activity is being directed by handlers from across the border, with an aim to destabilize the region during the ongoing tourist season.

The recovered materials from the encounter site are expected to provide crucial leads. Forensic teams are analyzing satellite phones, encrypted communication devices, and weapons that may link the militants directly to cross-border terror outfits.

Political Reactions

The news of the successful encounter has drawn reactions from political leaders. Many have commended the security forces for their swift and effective action. However, some leaders have also called for enhanced intelligence-sharing and improved security infrastructure to prevent future attacks.

The Pahalgam attack had triggered widespread outrage, with demands for stronger measures against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. This latest operation is likely to reignite debates on national security and counter-terror strategies in Parliament and public discourse.

The Broader Security Picture in Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir continues to remain a hotspot for cross-border terrorism due to its geographical and political sensitivities. In recent months, security forces have intensified operations in the valley, focusing on eliminating terror modules and preventing infiltration attempts from Pakistan.

The coordinated efforts of the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police have led to significant successes in curbing militant activities. However, intelligence agencies caution that sleeper cells and radicalized networks still pose a considerable challenge.

The Future of Counter-Terror Operations

Operation Mahadev marks another significant milestone in India’s ongoing war against terrorism. The elimination of three high-value targets is expected to weaken the local terror network, at least temporarily. Nevertheless, experts warn that sustained vigilance is necessary to prevent the regrouping of militant organizations.

There are indications that security agencies are planning a series of follow-up operations to dismantle the remaining terror infrastructure. Surveillance in the border areas, use of drone technology, and advanced intelligence tools are likely to play a crucial role in upcoming missions.

The encounter in Srinagar’s Lidwas area under Operation Mahadev underscores the Indian security forces’ relentless commitment to safeguarding national security. While official confirmation regarding the link of these militants to the Pahalgam massacre is awaited, the operation is being viewed as a major success.

The investigation into the recovered evidence will determine whether these neutralized terrorists were directly involved in the April 22 killings. As the valley continues to recover from the trauma of the Pahalgam attack, operations like Mahadev stand as a message that terrorism will not be tolerated.

Security forces remain on high alert, with ongoing intelligence gathering and joint missions ensuring that the peace and safety of civilians are prioritized. The fight against cross-border terrorism is far from over, but encounters like this demonstrate India’s unwavering stance against those who threaten its sovereignty.