Operation Mahadev Day 2: Search Intensifies for Terrorists in J-K’s Dachigam.

Operation Mahadev Day 2: Search Intensifies for Terrorists in J-K’s Dachigam.

J-K Operation Mahadev: Search Intensifies on Day 2 Amid Suspected Presence of More Terrorists.

Introduction

                    On July 29, 2025, Operation Mahadev, a high-stakes anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Dachigam National Park near Srinagar, entered its second day with intensified search efforts following the neutralization of three terrorists on July 28.

            The operation, led by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), targets suspected members of The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-backed terror outfit linked to the devastating April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives.

The slain terrorists, identified as Sulieman Shah (alias Asif), Jibran, and Hamza Afghani, are believed to include the mastermind of the Pahalgam attack and a key figure in the 2024 Sonamarg tunnel attack. With intelligence suggesting additional terrorists remain in the dense forests between the Zabarwan and Mahadev ridges, security forces are leveraging advanced biometric and facial recognition technologies to identify the deceased and track remaining suspects. This 3,300-word report provides a detailed account of the operation’s progress, key developments, tactical execution, and its broader implications, drawing on official statements, media reports, and social media sentiment.

Operation Overview

Operation Name: Mahadev

Location: Harwan area, near Dachigam National Park, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

Date Initiated: July 28, 2025, ongoing as of July 29, 2025

Agencies Involved: Indian Army (Chinar Corps, 24 Rashtriya Rifles, 4 Para), Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, National Investigation Agency (NIA), Military Intelligence

Objective: Neutralize terrorists linked to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack and dismantle TRF networks

Key Figures Neutralized: Sulieman Shah (Pahalgam attack mastermind), Jibran (Sonamarg tunnel attack), Hamza Afghani

Broadcast: Updates via ANI, India Today, Times of India; joint press conference pending

Day 1: Initial Engagement (July 28, 2025)
Trigger and Execution

Operation Mahadev was launched on July 28 following intelligence inputs from Military Intelligence and J&K Police, pinpointing suspicious communication signals—likely from a Huawei satellite phone—detected in the Dachigam forests, approximately 20 km from Srinagar’s city center. The signals matched those used in the April 22 Pahalgam attack, prompting a swift response. The operation, named after the nearby Mahadev Peak, unfolded in the rugged terrain of the Lidwas area, a dense forest between the Zabarwan and Mahadev ridges.

At 12:37 PM IST, the Chinar Corps established contact with the terrorists, initiating a 135-minute firefight. The Army’s elite 4 Para commandos, supported by 24 Rashtriya Rifles and CRPF, executed a surgical ambush, neutralizing three terrorists by 1:30 PM. Drone footage confirmed the kills, with bodies spotted in the forested area. The operation was informed by a 14-day pursuit, involving reconnaissance drones and intelligence from local Bakarwal communities, who reported suspicious movements.

Terrorists Neutralized

The three terrorists killed were:

Sulieman Shah (alias Asif): A former Pakistani soldier turned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative, identified as the mastermind of the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians in Baisaran Valley. Shah’s role was confirmed by intercepted communications and intelligence analysis.

Jibran: A key TRF operative linked to the October 2024 Sonamarg tunnel attack at Gagangir, which targeted infrastructure projects. His involvement was verified through forensic evidence.

Hamza Afghani: A Pakistani national and LeT associate, suspected of logistical support for TRF operations in Kashmir.

The trio, all Pakistani nationals, were heavily armed, carrying AK-47s, grenades, and satellite communication devices. Their mobile phones and recovered items were sent to forensic labs in Delhi for analysis, with preliminary findings suggesting links to LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

Identification Process

The Jammu and Kashmir Police, in collaboration with the NIA and Military Intelligence, are using biometric data (fingerprints, DNA) and facial recognition technology to confirm the identities of the slain terrorists. Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Zone) Vidhi Kumar Birdi noted that identification would take time due to the need for cross-referencing with terror databases. The process involves matching biometric data against records of known suspects, with assistance from other intelligence agencies like the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). A joint press conference by the Army, J&K Police, and CRPF is scheduled once identities are fully verified.

Day 2: Intensified Search (July 29, 2025)
Intelligence and Suspected Threats

On July 29, security forces escalated Operation Mahadev following fresh intelligence indicating the presence of two to three additional terrorists in the Dachigam forests. The inputs, based on intercepted communications and local informant reports, suggested that remaining TRF operatives were scattered across the 141-square-kilometer national park, a challenging terrain of dense forests and rugged hills. The operation expanded to include additional units of the CRPF and J&K Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), with drones and K9 units deployed to track suspects.

The Chinar Corps confirmed that the operation remains active, with a cordon-and-search strategy in place. Reinforcements were deployed to the Mulnar area of Harwan, where two rounds of gunfire were heard on July 28, indicating potential militant activity. Security forces are on high alert, with checkpoints established on routes leading to Srinagar to prevent escape.

Technological Deployment

The operation leverages advanced technology to enhance efficiency:

Reconnaissance Drones: Equipped with thermal imaging, drones are scanning the forest for heat signatures and movement, critical in the dense terrain.

Biometric and Facial Recognition: The NIA is using portable biometric scanners to analyze fingerprints and facial data from the slain terrorists, cross-referencing with databases linked to LeT and JeM.

Satellite Phone Intercepts: A Huawei satellite phone, detected two days prior, provided the initial lead, with ongoing signal monitoring to track additional devices.

Forensic Analysis: Recovered items, including SIM cards and encrypted messaging apps, are being examined in forensic labs to uncover TRF’s network and funding sources.

Operational Challenges

The Dachigam forest’s terrain poses significant challenges:

Dense Vegetation: Limits visibility and complicates ground searches.

Rugged Topography: The Zabarwan-Mahadev ridge area hinders rapid troop movement.

Civilian Proximity: The forest’s proximity to Srinagar (20 km) necessitates caution to avoid civilian casualties.

Potential Ambush Risks: Remaining terrorists, likely trained in guerrilla tactics, could exploit the terrain for ambushes.

Despite these challenges, the coordinated efforts of the Army, J&K Police, and CRPF, supported by local intelligence from Bakarwal shepherds, have maintained momentum.

Context: Pahalgam Attack and Operation Sindoor
Pahalgam Attack (April 22, 2025)

The April 22, 2025, terror attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, was one of the deadliest in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack. Orchestrated by TRF, a LeT offshoot, the attack targeted tourists, killing 26 civilians, including women and children, and injuring over a dozen. Sulieman Shah, a former Pakistani soldier, was identified as the mastermind, with Jibran providing operational support. The attack, executed with automatic weapons and grenades, sent shockwaves across India, prompting a robust response.

J&K Police conducted searches at over 100 locations across Srinagar, targeting TRF associates and those linked to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The attack’s brutality, described as a “massacre” by India Today, galvanized public and political support for decisive action.

Operation Sindoor (May 7–10, 2025)

In response, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, involving missile and drone strikes, destroyed key LeT and JeM command centers, killing over 100 terrorists.

Pakistan retaliated on May 8–10, targeting Indian military and civilian facilities, including a temple, gurdwara, and church in Poonch, damaging 18 Pakistani defense bases in the process. After four days of escalation, both nations agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, with India’s actions hailed as a “befitting reply” by leaders like Amit Shah and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora.

Operation Sindoor sparked intense parliamentary debate, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah defending the strikes and opposition leaders like Gaurav Gogoi questioning intelligence failures that allowed the Pahalgam attack. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar briefed UNSC envoys, noting that only three of 190 UN nations opposed the operation, underscoring global support.

Key Figures and Their Roles
Sulieman Shah (Alias Asif)

Profile: A former Pakistani soldier turned LeT commander, Shah was the architect of the Pahalgam attack. His expertise in guerrilla tactics and cross-border operations made him a high-value target.

Neutralization: Killed on July 28 during a 135-minute firefight, confirmed by drone footage and preliminary intelligence.

Impact: His death is a significant blow to TRF and LeT, disrupting their operational leadership in Kashmir.

Jibran

Profile: A Pakistani TRF operative involved in the October 2024 Sonamarg tunnel attack, targeting infrastructure projects.

Neutralization: Killed alongside Shah, with forensic evidence linking him to prior attacks.

Impact: His elimination weakens TRF’s ability to target economic assets in J&K.
Hamza Afghani

Profile: A logistics coordinator for TRF, likely involved in supplying arms and communication devices.

Neutralization: Killed in the same encounter, with his role under investigation.

Impact: His death disrupts TRF’s supply chain in the region.

Tactical Execution
Intelligence-Led Operation

Operation Mahadev was the culmination of a 14-day intelligence effort:

Initial Lead: A Huawei satellite phone signal, intercepted two days prior, matched devices used in the Pahalgam attack.


Bakarwal Inputs: Local shepherds reported suspicious movements, guiding forces to the Lidwas area.

Drone Surveillance: Recce drones with thermal imaging identified terrorist positions, enabling a precise ambush.

Coordinated Forces: The 4 Para commandos led the assault, supported by 24 Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF, and J&K Police’s SOG, ensuring minimal collateral damage.

Firefight Details

The 135-minute engagement on July 28 was marked by:

Surprise Ambush: Para commandos used night scouts to position themselves, catching the terrorists off-guard.

Dense Terrain: The forest’s cover necessitated close-quarters combat, with forces relying on thermal imaging and K9 units.

Firepower: The terrorists’ AK-47s and grenades were countered by the Army’s advanced weaponry, including sniper rifles and drones.

Ongoing Search

On July 29, the operation shifted to a cordon-and-search phase:

Cordon: A 5-km radius around Lidwas was sealed, with checkpoints on Srinagar-bound routes.

Search Teams: Multiple units, including CRPF’s CoBRA and J&K Police’s SOG, combed the forest with drones and sniffer dogs.

Intelligence Monitoring: Ongoing intercepts of radio and satellite communications aim to locate remaining suspects.

Political and Public Reactions
Official Statements

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha: “Three Pakistani terrorists have been eliminated. I congratulate the Army, Police, and all involved in this operation.”

Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai (Chinar Corps): Lauded the operation’s precision, emphasizing the role of local intelligence.

Pahalgam Victim’s Family: Prashant Satpathy’s wife, a victim of the April 22 attack, said, “Those who are gone won’t return, but terror must end; we are proud of the Indian Army.”

Political Discourse

The operation coincided with a Lok Sabha debate on Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam attack. Key points:

BJP MP Baijayant Panda: Highlighted Shah’s neutralization as a milestone, criticizing Congress for questioning intelligence failures.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah: Defended Operation Sindoor, stating, “Pakistan admitted defeat, offered to cease hostilities.”

Opposition (Gaurav Gogoi): Questioned how terrorists reached Pahalgam, calling for transparency on intelligence lapses.

AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi: Opposed India-Pakistan Asia Cup matches, questioning ceasefire agreements.

Public Sentiment

Posts on X reflect strong public support for Operation Mahadev:

Users praised the Army’s swift action, with one stating, “#OperationMahadev is justice for Pahalgam victims. Sulieman Shah’s end is a big win!”

Others highlighted the operation’s precision, with @Defencecore noting, “A swift, silent, and surgical ambush by Indian SF.”

Some expressed skepticism about remaining terrorists, urging continued vigilance: “Dachigam is vast—hope forces catch the rest soon.”

Broader Implications
Security Landscape

Operation Mahadev marks a significant step in dismantling TRF’s network in J&K, a region that has seen a resurgence of terror activities post the 2019 Article 370 abrogation. The neutralization of Shah, a high-value LeT commander, disrupts TRF’s command structure, potentially weakening its ability to orchestrate large-scale attacks. However, the suspected presence of additional terrorists underscores the persistent threat, with TRF and LeT leveraging Pakistan’s support to target civilians and infrastructure.

The operation builds on Operation Sindoor’s success, which destroyed nine terror camps but failed to eliminate ground operatives like Shah. The use of advanced technology—drones, biometrics, and satellite intercepts—signals India’s evolving counter-terrorism strategy, blending traditional military tactics with intelligence-driven operations.

Regional and International Context

The Pahalgam attack and subsequent operations have heightened India-Pakistan tensions. Operation Sindoor’s strikes on PoK and Pakistan drew global attention, with Jaishankar noting near-unanimous UN support. Pakistan’s retaliation, damaging civilian sites in Poonch, underscores the volatile cross-border dynamic. The ceasefire on May 10 stabilized relations temporarily, but Operation Mahadev’s success may provoke further responses from Pakistan-backed groups.

Globally, India’s actions have been framed as a justified response to terrorism, with Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan praising the Army’s precision. The operation’s timing, amid India’s briefing to UNSC envoys, reinforces its commitment to combating terrorism while navigating diplomatic scrutiny.

Challenges Ahead

Remaining Terrorists: The suspected presence of two to three operatives requires sustained operations in Dachigam’s challenging terrain.

Intelligence Gaps: Opposition queries about how terrorists reached Pahalgam highlight the need for improved surveillance in tourist-heavy areas.

Civilian Safety: Proximity to Srinagar necessitates precision to avoid collateral damage.

Pakistan’s Response: TRF’s Pakistan backing raises concerns about retaliatory strikes, requiring heightened border security.

Statistical Breakdown

Terrorists Neutralized: 3 (Sulieman Shah, Jibran, Hamza Afghani)

Operation Duration: 2 days (July 28–29, 2025); initial firefight: 135 minutes

Area Covered: 5-km radius in Lidwas, Dachigam National Park (141 km²)

Forces Deployed: Estimated 200 personnel (4 Para, 24 Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF CoBRA, J&K Police SOG)

Casualties: No security personnel losses reported; 3 terrorists killed

Recovered Items: AK-47s, grenades, Huawei satellite phone, SIM cards

Pahalgam Attack Toll: 26 killed, 12+ injured (April 22, 2025)

Operation Sindoor Impact: 9 terror camps destroyed, 100+ terrorists killed (May 7–10, 2025)

Operation Mahadev represents a pivotal moment in India’s counter-terrorism efforts, with the neutralization of Sulieman Shah, Jibran, and Hamza Afghani delivering justice for the Pahalgam attack victims. The ongoing search on July 29, 2025, reflects the Indian Army, J&K Police, and CRPF’s commitment to rooting out remaining TRF operatives in Dachigam’s dense forests.

Advanced technologies like biometrics, facial recognition, and drone surveillance have enhanced the operation’s precision, while local intelligence and coordinated efforts underscore its effectiveness. The operation, building on Operation Sindoor’s strikes, sends a strong message to terror networks while highlighting the challenges of securing J&K’s volatile landscape. As identification processes conclude and search efforts continue, Operation Mahadev stands as a testament to India’s resolve against terrorism, with public and political support reinforcing its significance.