In a significant counter-terrorism operation, Indian security forces have neutralized three terrorists, including the alleged mastermind of the April 22 Pahalgam attack, dealing a blow to militant activities in the region and potentially blunting opposition criticism in the Parliament. The operation, codenamed "Mahadev," took place in the Lidwas area near Harwan, on the outskirts of Srinagar.

The slain terrorist, identified as Hashim Musa, also known as Suleiman or Sulieman, is believed to be the key conspirator behind the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the death of 26 people, mostly tourists. Musa was a former para-commando in Pakistan's Special Service Group before joining Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He had been involved in several terror attacks since infiltrating India in 2023. The other two terrorists killed in the operation were identified as Jibran and Hamza Afghani. Jibran is believed to be involved in the October 2023 Sonamarg Tunnel attack.

The operation was launched following intelligence inputs and technical surveillance that indicated terrorist movement in the area. A joint team of the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel carried out the operation. Security forces tracked the terrorists using a communication device, believed to be a satellite phone, that had been monitored since April 22, 2025. The same device was suspected of being used by those involved in the Pahalgam attack.

During the encounter, security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the site, including an M4 carbine and two AK rifles. The successful operation is a major breakthrough in India's counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Pahalgam attack was a deadly terror attack on tourists that occurred on April 22, 2025, in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam. The attack, which targeted Hindu tourists, resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians and injuries to 20 others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy organization for Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility for the attack.

The killing of the Pahalgam attack mastermind is likely to have political ramifications. The government may use this success to deflect criticism from the opposition regarding security failures and its handling of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The opposition had been demanding accountability for the security lapses that led to the Pahalgam attack. The successful operation could strengthen the government's position and potentially silence some of the criticism.