On 28 July 2025, India’s security forces conducted Operation Mahadev, a targeted attack in the vicinity of Srinagar’s Dachigam National Park, killing three Pakistani terrorists, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) handler Hashim Musa, the mastermind of the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack. Business Connect Magazine-covered operation avenged the horrific loss of 26 lives in one of Jammu and Kashmir’s most fatal attacks since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. It reflects India’s unshakeable resolve to counter terrorism.
Operation Mahadev: India’s Swift Military Response to the Pahalgam Terror Attack in 2025
The Pahalgam Attack: A Call to Action
The Pahalgam attack in Baisaran Valley killed 26 people, including tourists and a local, in a brutal attack masterminded by Musa, a former para-commando of the Pakistani Army who became a LeT commander. The attack, attributed to LeT’s proxy outfit, The Resistance Front (TRF), was reminiscent of the 2019 Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were gunned down by a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) suicide bomber. The Pahalgam massacre of civilians on the basis of religion ignited countrywide outrage and called for a bold response, similar to that of the Balakot airstrike after Pulwama.
Operation Mahadev: Precision and Resolve
Launched after a 14-day chase, operation Mahadev saw a collaborative effort from Chinar Corps, the Indian Army, and Jammu and Kashmir police, along with the CRPF. Intelligence included intercepted communications via a Chinese satellite phone pinpointing terrorists in the Lidwas area near Mount Mahadev. Named after the sacred peak revered by Kashmiri Pandits, the operation symbolized both strategic as well as cultural significance.
Elite troops, such as the 24 Rashtriya Rifles and 4 Para, fought the terrorists—Musa, Abu Hamza, and Yasir—in a shootout. The surprise attack by forces resulted in the killing of the terrorists, with drone videos attesting to their deaths. Seized weapons, such as an M4 carbine, two AK-47s, and 17 grenades, testified to the group’s deadly purpose. The precision in the operation ensured minimal collateral damage, testifying to India’s sophisticated counter-terror capabilities.
Strategic Impact
Operation Mahadev inflicted a serious setback on LeT and TRF, derailing their terror establishment in Kashmir. Killing Musa, a senior operative with connections to Pakistan’s Special Service Group, diluted the network of cross-border terrorism. The timing of the operation, during discussions in parliament on the Pahalgam attack and the previous Operation Sindoor, added to its impact. Victims’ families, such as Vikas Kumrawat, whose brother lost his life in Pahalgam, had something to smile about.
Pakistan sources claimed the operation was a diversion from Jammu and Kashmir unrest but these remain unverified. India’s security establishment focused on the mission’s intelligence-led approach, rejecting such speculation. Operation Mahadev further cemented India’s aggressive approach following the legacy of the 2019 Balakot airstrike, targeting JeM training camps following Pulwama.
Pulwama and Pahalgam: A Shared Resolve
The similarities between Pulwama and Pahalgam indicate the constant danger posed by Pakistan-based terrorist organizations. Operation Bandar, a 19-minute air strike in response to the 2019 Pulwama attack, demonstrated India’s determination. Likewise, Operation Mahadev utilized high-tech surveillance and coordination in order to dispense justice. Interception of satellite communications as a means of evidence is indicative of the increasing prominence of technology in counter-terrorism, just as with the FATF revelations on e-commerce exploitation for explosives in Pulwama.
A Symbol of Resilience
Operation Mahadev is a demonstration of the valour of India’s security forces and their indefatigable commitment towards delivering justice. As Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah pointed out, it is a “good thing” for the families of the victims as well as for the country. The operation, which was undertaken under the canopy of Mahadev Peak, is an embodiment of India’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty and culture.
Business Connect Magazine salutes Indian Army, J&K Police, and CRPF for their bravery. Operation Mahadev is not only a success against terrorism but also a ray of hope for a peaceful future.
FAQ
1. What was Operation Mahadev?
Operation Mahadev was a high-precision counter-terrorism operation conducted by Indian security forces on 28 July 2025 near Dachigam National Park, Srinagar. It led to the elimination of three Pakistani terrorists, including Hashim Musa, the mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack.
2. What triggered Operation Mahadev?
The operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, where 26 civilians, including tourists, were killed in Baisaran Valley. The attack was orchestrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba’s (LeT) proxy outfit, The Resistance Front (TRF).
3. Who was Hashim Musa?
Hashim Musa was a former Pakistani Army para-commando turned LeT handler, responsible for masterminding the Pahalgam massacre. He was one of the three terrorists neutralized during Operation Mahadev.
4. Which security forces were involved in the operation?
Operation Mahadev was executed jointly by:
Indian Army (including 24 Rashtriya Rifles and 4 Para)
Chinar Corps
Jammu & Kashmir Police
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
5. How was the location of the terrorists identified?
Intelligence operatives intercepted communications via a Chinese satellite phone, pinpointing the terrorist hideout in the Lidwas area near Mount Mahadev. This led to the precision strike.
6. What weapons were recovered after the operation?
Security forces seized:
1 M4 carbine
2 AK-47 rifles
17 hand grenades
These arms confirmed the group’s deadly intentions.
7. Why is the operation called “Mahadev”?
The operation was named after Mount Mahadev, a sacred peak revered by Kashmiri Pandits, symbolizing the spiritual and cultural significance of the mission and reflecting India’s resolve.
8. How does this compare to previous responses like Pulwama and Balakot?
Just like Operation Bandar (Balakot Air Strike after Pulwama 2019), Operation Mahadev showcased India’s strategic shift towards proactive retaliation, using tech-driven surveillance and targeted action.
9. What was the impact of Operation Mahadev on LeT and TRF?
The killing of Hashim Musa and two other top operatives disrupted LeT’s operational plans in Kashmir. It delivered a significant psychological and tactical blow to cross-border terrorism.
10. How has the public and government reacted?
The operation drew nationwide support. Leaders, including J&K CM Omar Abdullah, praised the swift action. Families of the Pahalgam victims expressed emotional relief and gratitude for justice served.
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