The successful Operation Mahadev has confirmed that the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack were Pakistani nationals and members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The operation eliminated three key operatives, revealing a trail of evidence that directly links them to Pakistan. Security agencies have pieced together a comprehensive case, leaving no doubt about the origin and affiliations of the perpetrators behind the tragic Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people on April 22, 2025.

Operation Mahadev Details

Operation Mahadev, a joint counter-terrorism operation by the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police, was launched based on intelligence indicating the movement of terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack to the Dachigam National Park area. The operation, which took place near Mahadev Peak, resulted in the killing of three "A-list" terrorists: Suleman Shah alias Faizal Jatt, Abu Hamza Afghani, and Yasir.

Identities Confirmed

The terrorists were identified as Suleman Shah alias 'Faizal Jatt', Abu Hamza alias 'Afghan' and Yasir alias 'Jibran'. Suleman Shah has been labeled as the mastermind of the Pahalgam attack. Indian intelligence suggests that the terrorists were working under senior LeT operator Sajid Saifullah Jatt.

Evidence of Pakistani Origin

Following Operation Mahadev, substantial evidence was collected, firmly establishing the Pakistani nationality of the slain terrorists. This evidence includes:

• Pakistani Government-Issued Documents: Laminated voter ID slips issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan were recovered from Suleman Shah and Abu Hamza, linked to electoral rolls in Lahore and Gujranwala.
• Biometric Data: A micro-SD card from a damaged satellite phone contained biometric records from Pakistan's National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), including fingerprints, facial templates, and family trees. This data confirmed their Pakistani citizenship and home addresses.
• Pakistani-Made Chocolates: Wrappers of "CandyLand" and "ChocoMax" chocolates, manufactured by Karachi-based companies, were found in the terrorists' possession. The lot numbers matched a consignment sent to Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in May 2024.
• Satellite Phone Logs and GPS Data: Digital data from the satellite phone, including logs and GPS waypoints, further corroborated their movements and connections.
• Photographic Evidence: Photos recovered from a mobile phone seized after a 2024 encounter helped identify and track the terrorists.

No Local Involvement

Officials have confirmed that "no local was among these terrorists". This indicates that the Pahalgam attack was orchestrated and executed by foreign elements, further highlighting the cross-border nature of the terrorism.

Implications and Reactions

The successful elimination of the Pahalgam attackers in Operation Mahadev and the subsequent uncovering of irrefutable evidence of their Pakistani origin has had several implications:

• Confirmation of Pakistan's Role: The evidence presented by Indian authorities has further substantiated India's long-standing অভিযোগ that Pakistan is involved in sponsoring cross-border terrorism.
• Strained Relations: The Pahalgam attack and its aftermath, including India's accusations and retaliatory actions, have led to increased tensions between India and Pakistan.
• International Scrutiny: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has, for the first time, officially identified The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group linked to LeT, as responsible for the Pahalgam attack.
• Domestic Impact: The operation has boosted the morale of Indian security forces and has been viewed as a significant success in India's fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Operation Mahadev represents a major success for Indian security forces in their efforts to combat terrorism in the region. The operation not only eliminated the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack but also provided concrete evidence of their Pakistani origin, further exposing Pakistan's role in sponsoring terrorism.