Operation Mahadev: Pahalgam terror mastermind Sulieman killed in encounter on Srinagar's outskirts, say officials

Time of India

14 hours ago

In a joint counter-terror operation on Monday, Indian Army para commandos shot dead three terrorists in the Harwan area near
Dachigam Forest
on the outskirts of Srinagar. Among those killed was
Hashim Musa
, also known as Suleman or Sulieman, who officials say was behind the deadly
Pahalgam attack
in April that left 26 people dead, including 25 tourists and a local resident.
The Indian Army confirmed the operation, codenamed Mahadev, was launched after security forces picked up a satellite phone signal. The same device, according to officials, had been used by those involved in the Pahalgam massacre.
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Army confirms neutralisation
The encounter broke out in a densely forested zone near Dachigam National Park. It involved personnel from the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu and Kashmir Police. The Army's Srinagar-based Chinar Corps posted on X, 'Three terrorists have been neutralised in an intense firefight. The operation continues.'
Senior police officials later confirmed the encounter was still ongoing and full identification would take time.
'Operation is still continuing. As per the interior reports, three bodies have been observed and seem to be neutralised. It will take us some time for identification, and parties are still inside,' said IGP Kashmir Zone, Vidhi Kumar Birdi, as reported by PTI.
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One of the other slain terrorists was identified as Jibran, who is suspected of taking part in the Sonamarg Tunnel attack last year. The third, Hamza Afghani, is believed to be a foreign fighter. Their movement had been under surveillance for nearly two weeks, and the breakthrough reportedly came from a tip-off by local nomads, as per India Today.
Army praises troops, reinforces stand
Following the successful strike in Harwan, the Army's Udhampur-based Northern Command issued a statement praising the action. Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Northern Command chief, said, 'Neutralising three terrorists' demonstrated the precision and readiness of the forces. He reiterated the Army's 'commitment to a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir.'
With the death of Musa, Indian forces believe they have dealt a serious blow to
Lashkar-e-Taiba
's operations in the region. Security agencies are continuing searches in the area and further verification of identities is ongoing.
The operation has raised new questions about how trained foreign fighters, including former military personnel, are crossing into Indian territory. Intelligence efforts now focus on tracing the wider network that supported Musa and his associates, especially within the Valley.
For locals in the Harwan-Dachigam belt, the presence of heavily armed militants was a stark reminder of how close the conflict still lies to daily life. The return of large-scale attacks like Pahalgam has once again placed Kashmir's security situation under the spotlight.
Who was Hashim Musa?
Hashim Musa, also known as Suleiman or Sulieman, was no ordinary foot soldier. He had served in the Pakistan Army's elite Special Service Group before being dismissed from service. Intelligence sources believe he was later absorbed into Lashkar-e-Taiba and tasked with strengthening its operations in Kashmir. He was later dismissed from service and joined the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba.
His name surfaced during investigations into the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 dead. He was suspected of leading the group of foreign militants who carried it out.
According to The New Indian Express, Musa may have been "loaned" by the Pakistan Army to LeT in order to transfer his commando skills to militants in Kashmir. These skills, which include guerrilla warfare, high-altitude navigation, and covert operations, made him an asset for cross-border terror operations.
Sources told CNN-News18 that Musa infiltrated into India in September 2023 and had been operating under the radar. His identity came to light during the interrogation of 14 Kashmiri Over Ground Workers (OGWs), who are suspected of helping foreign terrorists plan and carry out the Pahalgam attack.
One of the OGWs reportedly revealed Musa's background with the Pakistan Army and his link to LeT. These local workers are believed to have helped with logistics and reconnaissance in the lead-up to the April 22 massacre.
In the days after the killings, Jammu and Kashmir Police had issued a public alert and announced a cash reward of Rs 20 lakh for any credible information on Suleiman's whereabouts.
According to officials, he was highly trained in guerrilla tactics, high-altitude survival, and close combat. His military background and experience made him an asset for terror operations across the Valley.
The Pahalgam attack
On April 22, gunmen opened fire at tourists in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam. The incident left 26 people dead. The majority were tourists from other parts of India, visiting the popular destination during peak spring travel. One local was also killed. All victims were men.
The scale and brutality of the attack triggered Operation Sindoor, India's response targeting terror infrastructure across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was launched on May 7.
Monday's gun battle occurred while the Lok Sabha was debating Operation Sindoor. The timing has not gone unnoticed by political observers.
While Monday's success may bring short-term relief, officials acknowledge that the broader fight against terrorism in the region is far from over.