Operation Mahadev: Strategic Closure to the Pahalgam Terror Strike

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Operation Mahadev stands out not only as a military victory but as a new perspective on evolving national security practices. This operation aimed to neutralize the attackers of the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam massacre, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. On July 28, 2025, Indian security forces conducted a joint operation in the Dachigam forests near Srinagar. It provided immediate retaliation and a data-driven closure, supported by continued intelligence, forensic verification, and international diplomatic efforts.

On April 22, 2025, militants in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam killed 26 individuals, 25 tourists (mostly Hindus), a local Muslim, and a Christian after separating the victims based on their identity and religion. The Resistance Front (TRF) initially claimed responsibility for the attack but later disputed it. This group is suspected of having connections to Lashkar-e-Taiba. The attack raised tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to cross-border skirmishes and missile strikes on May 7, followed by a shaky ceasefire by May 10.

India’s leaders made it clear that those responsible would face justice, preventing any escape abroad. This commitment formed the basis for a two-stage response: Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps inside Pakistan, and Operation Mahadev, which focused on the individuals involved.

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References

  1. Operation Mahadev: Pahalgam terror mastermind Sulieman killed in encounter on Srinagar’s outskirts
  2. What is Operation Mahadev? Pahalgam attack mastermind Suleiman Shah killed in big security action.
  3. 2025 Pahalgam attack – Wikipedia
  4. 2025 India–Pakistan conflict – Wikipedia
  5. 2025 India–Pakistan crisis – Wikipedia
  6. The Resistance Front – Wikipedia
  7. Operation Mahadev: Amit Shah shares crucial evidence linking recovered guns to Pahalgam attack
  8. Chocolates, voter IDs, rifles: Amit Shah shares proof of killers’ Pakistan links
  9. Pahalgam terror attack: Flooded escape tunnels trapped killers, forces hunted them down
  10. Pahalgam terror victim’s wife welcomes government action
  11. India says it has killed perpetrators of Kashmir terror attack
  12. UNSC report names TRF for Pahalgam attack in win for India
  13. HM Amit Shah details Operation Sindoor in Lok Sabha; says over 100 terrorists killed, Pakistan camps destroyed.
  14. PIB: Operation Mahadev briefing
  15. PIB: Operation Sindoor briefing

All the views and opinions expressed are those of the author. Image Credit: Chinar Corps via X.

About the Author

Jaiee Ashtekar holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Mumbai. She holds a post-graduate diploma in international relations from the University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom (UK). She has done projects titled “Kashmir through Political Perception” and “Water issues between India and Pakistan.”

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