In a significant breakthrough under Operation Mahadev, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir neutralized the mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror attack, Hashim Musa, along with two of his associates. This decisive operation, carried out in the dense forests of the Mahadev foothills, has been hailed as a remarkable feat by the Indian Army.
A Father’s Salute to the Forces
Rajesh Narwal, father of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal from Karnal—who lost his life in the Pahalgam attack—expressed deep respect and admiration for the Indian Army’s courageous operation. Speaking on the aftermath of the encounter, he stated that eliminating highly trained terrorists hiding in such challenging terrain is no small achievement. He emphasized that Hashim Musa, a former Pakistani SSG para-commando, posed a serious threat and that his elimination is a matter of pride for the country.
Rajesh Narwal also added that the bravery of Indian soldiers, who risk their lives in such high-risk missions, deserves nationwide recognition and honor. “Our troops carried out this mission in extremely hostile terrain. Their valor is unmatched, and they must be duly rewarded,” he said.
The Operation and the Encounter
During the sacred Amarnath Yatra, Indian security forces launched Operation Mahadev in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The operation culminated in a fierce gunfight in the upper reaches of Dachigam near Srinagar. All three slain militants were reportedly affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba group.
The mission was especially challenging due to the terrain, as the militants were hiding in dense forest cover and high-altitude zones that are typically difficult to access and navigate.
Why the Name Operation Mahadev?
The operation derived its name from the Mahadev Peak, part of the Zabarwan mountain range in Srinagar. This area holds both strategic and religious significance. The Mahadev summit is revered as a sacred location, and its visibility from regions like Lidwas and Mulnar makes it symbolically important. Given the site’s religious weight and the strategic complexities involved in the mission, the operation was aptly titled Operation Mahadev.
