Three Militants Killed in Kashmir Operation
India’s Home Minister announced in Parliament that security forces have killed three suspected militants in a joint operation near Srinagar. The men are accused of carrying out a brutal terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people—25 Hindu tourists and one local resident.
Identified as Pakistani Nationals Linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba
Authorities stated the militants were Pakistani nationals with ties to the Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked group The Resistance Front (TRF). Their identities were verified using Pakistani ID cards, recovered weapons matched via ballistics tests, and local witnesses who had previously supplied them with food and shelter.
Operation Mahadev Yields High-Profile Results
Named Operation Mahadev, the multi-agency mission involved the Indian Army, CRPF, para commandos, and local police near the Dachigam forest outside Srinagar. Among those killed was Hashim Musa, aka Suleman Shah, believed to be the mastermind behind the Pahalgam attack.
Catalyst for India–Pakistan Standoff
The April massacre triggered one of the most serious military confrontations in decades between India and Pakistan. Over a four-day crisis, both sides exchanged air strikes, missiles, and drone attacks before accepting a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in May.
Government Praises Security Forces and Vows Continued Vigilance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Operation Mahadev as a crucial victory in combating terrorism, describing the eliminated militants as “cowardly terrorists”. Meanwhile, victims’ families expressed cautious relief—while welcoming the operation, they stressed the need to eradicate the entire terror network.
International Condemnation and Diplomatic Fallout
The Pahalgam attack drew strong international backlash—from the EU, Israel, the United States, and others—emphasizing global unity against terrorism. Pakistan has categorically denied involvement and called India’s claims “fabricated”, demanding an independent, neutral investigation. India, however, rejected foreign mediation, insisting any resolution must remain bilateral.
What’s Next
- Investigation into possible local collaborators is ongoing—some villagers have been detained for allegedly assisting the perpetrators.
- India’s security agencies continue to track down additional militants and dismantle the network behind the massacre.
- Cross-border diplomatic tensions with Pakistan remain high amid accusations and denials from both sides.
Final Take
Operation Mahadev’s success in neutralizing key suspects linked to the Pahalgam tourist massacre brings a measure of closure to India’s investigation. However, while hailed domestically as a decisive counter-terrorism achievement, the broader implications for regional peace and justice remain complex. With diplomatic fault lines still open, lasting recovery in Kashmir depends on continued vigilance and resilience.
