Hashim Musa, also known as Suleiman Musa, the alleged mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, was killed in an encounter with Indian security forces in the upper reaches of the Dachigam forest near Srinagar. The operation, which was conducted jointly by the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, was launched after gunshots were heard in the area.
Musa was a former operative of Pakistan's elite Special Services Group (SSG) who later became affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Security forces sent photographs of the three slain terrorists to the National Investigating Agency (NIA) and showed them to two harbourers who had been arrested by the agency, who confirmed Musa's identity.
The news of Musa's death marks a significant blow to Pakistan-backed terror infrastructure in Kashmir. Indian officials have repeatedly blamed Pakistan's military-intelligence nexus for harboring, training, and deploying terrorists like Musa. Musa's background in the SSG and his integration into LeT's command structure are considered further proof of Pakistani state complicity.
Musa infiltrated India in September 2023 and had been active in Jammu and Kashmir for nearly two years. He primarily operated in the Budgam district, near Srinagar, and had been involved in at least three attacks on security forces and non-locals.
The operation to neutralize Musa was named "Mahadev". It was launched after an area domination patrol of the Indian Army spotted suspicious movement in the forest. The encounter began around 11 am. In addition to Musa, two other foreign terrorists were killed in the operation. As many as 17 grenades, an M4 carbine, and two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the terrorists' hideout.
Following the Pahalgam attack, the Jammu and Kashmir police released sketches of the terrorists involved, identifying Musa as the key conspirator. Authorities offered a reward of Rs 20 lakh for information leading to his capture.
The elimination of Hashim Musa is considered a major victory for Indian security forces. It is a strategic blow to the Pakistan-backed terror enterprise operating in Kashmir.
