In a significant counter-terrorism success, security forces eliminated three terrorists, including the identified mastermind of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, during Operation Mahadev near Srinagar’s Harwan-Lidwas area. According to multiple sources, one of the slain militants - known by aliases Suleman and Hashim Moosa - was linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and had orchestrated the Pahalgam massacre that claimed 26 civilian lives, mostly tourists.
This undertaking formed part of India's strategic retaliation following the brutal assault in Pahalgam, which was executed by three Pakistani militants and believed to be backed by ISI. Earlier investigations confirmed the involvement of Pakistan’s political and military leadership in the conspiracy. 

The operation, initiated based on verified intelligence, involved coordinated action by the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police. The militants were neutralized after a fierce exchange of gunfire in dense forest terrain. Security forces reportedly recovered ammunition and weapons at the site. 

This marks a key milestone in India’s broader campaign against organized terror networks in Kashmir, while also sending a stern message against future cross-border operations. The targeted militant was previously identified as “the mastermind”, confirming the operation’s high strategic value in dismantling terror infrastructure.