Mahadev Peak Encounter Ends Hunt for Pahalgam Terror Trio

Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir:

In a precision timed operation code named Operation Mahadev, security forces eliminated three Pakistani terrorists involved in the 22 April massacre in Pahalgam. The operation, conducted near Mulnar Peak beneath Mahadev Peak in the Dachigam forests, was launched after a second satellite phone signal was detected 17 days after the first. The terrorists were reportedly trapped by human intelligence from nomad guides and attacked around 11.30 am on Monday, sources said.

Highly placed officials confirm the three men were resting in a makeshift tent when Army, CRPF and Jammu & Kashmir Police forces initiated the encounter. The gunfight reportedly lasted about three hours before all three terrorists were neutralised.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah later identified the slain militants in the Lok Sabha as “Suleiman, Afghan and Jibran”, affirming they were the same terrorists who killed 26 civilians in Baisaran Valley on 22 April. Shah confirmed that detainees who had supplied food to the terrorists identified their bodies upon arrival in Srinagar.

Evidence recovered included two variants of AK‑47 rifles, an American made M4 carbine and explosives, now verified through forensic ballistics to match shells from the Pahalgam attack. The weapons were flown to the forensic lab in Chandigarh for testing, confirming a 100 per cent match, according to Shah.

Other confirming items recovered at the site included Pakistani voter ID cards and Pakistan manufactured chocolates, underscoring the cross border origin of the militants.

The initial detection came from a satellite phone signal in early July when the terrorists used a highly encrypted messaging device. On Saturday, 26 July, authorities intercepted a second signal emanating from the Mahadev Peak area, triggering the operation. Over several days, security forces combined satellite monitoring, drone based thermal imaging and intel from local nomads, who provided guidance on terrain and suspected hideouts.

By Monday, the terrorists were cordoned off in steep ridgeline terrain at around 13,000 ft elevation. After initial contact, one militant was killed early in the encounter. The others exchanged heavy fire before being killed in the prolonged engagement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Operation Mahadev as a major counter terror success, calling the killed militants “cowardly terrorists” and praising the armed forces. Home minister Shah reiterated the message that terrorism will not be tolerated and international conspirators will not go unpunished.

Victims’ families expressed relief while cautioning that complete justice will require dismantling entire terror networks. One widow, Priyadarshini Acharya, lauded the speed of the response and urged continued vigilance in tourist areas like Pahalgam.

The operation is considered a key milestone in India’s sustained counter terrorism efforts following the worst civilian massacre since 2008. It demonstrated how cutting edge surveillance, local cooperation, drone reconnaissance and disciplined force coordination can neutralise entrenched terror threats without compromising on precision or restraint.