Operation Mahadev: India Avenges Pahalgam Massacre by Eliminating Lashkar Mastermind Hashim Musa

In a high-stakes intelligence-driven operation named Operation Mahadev, Indian security forces achieved a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism by eliminating three top Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives. Among those neutralised was Hashim Musa, alias Suleiman Shah, the alleged mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror attack that shook the nation on April 22, 2025. The operation, conducted on July 28 in the dense Lidwas-Harwan forest belt near Dachigam National Park on the outskirts of Srinagar, marks a decisive blow against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in the Kashmir Valley.

The anti-terror Operation Mahadev took place in the general area of Lidwas. (Waseem Andrabi /Hindustan Times)

The Elusive Mastermind: Hashim Musa's Rise in Lashkar-e-Taiba

Hashim Musa, also known in intelligence circles as Suleiman Shah or Sulieman, was no ordinary militant. He had once served in Pakistan’s elite Special Service Group (SSG) as a commando before deserting and joining Lashkar-e-Taiba. Trained in sabotage, covert combat, and cross-border infiltration, Musa quickly rose through the ranks and became a vital asset for LeT’s Kashmir cell. He is believed to have orchestrated multiple attacks in South Kashmir between 2023 and 2025, with the Pahalgam massacre being his most gruesome and high-profile strike.

According to security officials, Musa had entered the Valley months prior through the Rajouri sector and evaded arrest by constantly changing his locations using local sympathisers and communication devices designed to avoid Indian electronic surveillance. A reward of ₹20 lakh had been announced for any actionable intelligence leading to his capture or killing.

The Pahalgam Massacre: A Targeted Attack on Innocent Tourists

The April 22 Pahalgam attack was one of the worst terror incidents witnessed in Kashmir in recent years. A group of five armed militants opened fire on unarmed Hindu tourists in the Baisaran valley region of Pahalgam, killing 26 people, including a pony handler who tried to shield the victims. The attackers filmed the incident, shouted Islamist slogans, and reportedly celebrated the killings before fleeing into the forests. The shocking nature of the assault, aimed at civilians on pilgrimage and vacation, drew nationwide outrage and renewed scrutiny of cross-border terror networks operating with Pakistani support.

The attack triggered one of the largest manhunts in recent memory, mobilising top-level counterterror units and prompting retaliatory security operations in Kashmir and along the Line of Control.

Operation Mahadev: Planning, Execution, and Aftermath

The joint operation that eventually tracked down Hashim Musa was the result of two weeks of relentless intelligence gathering and surveillance. Indian agencies had intercepted signals from a Chinese-made satellite phone used by the terrorists and began narrowing down the possible hiding zones. Drone visuals, inputs from ground informants, and electronic surveillance helped confirm the movement of the suspects in the Lidwas-Harwan forest region.

On the morning of July 28, Indian Army’s 4 PARA Special Forces, supported by 24 Rashtriya Rifles, the CRPF, and the Jammu & Kashmir Police, launched the operation. The encounter began around 11 a.m. and concluded shortly before 1 p.m. After a swift and precise engagement, the three terrorists—identified as Hashim Musa, Jibran, and Hamza (an Afghan national)—were gunned down. Drone reconnaissance confirmed their deaths, and later ground forces recovered their bodies along with AK-47s, grenades, encrypted communication devices, and Pakistani voter identification cards.

Following the encounter, Home Minister Amit Shah addressed Parliament, stating that the terrorists were not locals but infiltrators from Pakistan and Afghanistan. He added that this operation was part of a larger anti-terror initiative that aims to destroy the entire infrastructure enabling such cross-border attacks.

Voices of Grief and Gratitude: Reactions from Victims' Families

The news of Musa’s elimination brought mixed emotions to the families of the Pahalgam victims. While many expressed gratitude towards the armed forces for avenging the massacre, they also stressed that this should only be the beginning of a broader campaign against terrorism. Sabari Guha, the widow of one of the victims, stated that although the death of the mastermind offered some closure, the pain and trauma of losing loved ones could never be undone. Several family members called for stronger policy actions against countries that sponsor terrorism and demanded justice not only for their kin but for all victims of jihadist violence in India.

Geopolitical Ripples and Strategic Message

The success of Operation Mahadev came on the heels of Operation Sindoor, a targeted Indian military retaliation in early May that struck terror camps and infrastructure across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and parts of Pakistan. These twin operations signal a significant shift in India's counterterror doctrine—from a defensive posture to a proactive, retaliatory one.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in separate parliamentary statements, reiterated that India will no longer tolerate attacks on its civilians and will respond decisively to any form of provocation. They also underlined that India’s military actions were carried out independently, without foreign influence, as part of its sovereign right to defend its people and territory.

Conclusion: Justice Delivered, But the Mission Continues

Operation Mahadev has sent a clear message to terrorist organisations and their sponsors across the border: India will pursue justice, no matter how long it takes or how far it must go. The elimination of Hashim Musa is a major victory, not only for the armed forces but also for the memory of the 26 innocent souls who perished in the Pahalgam massacre. Yet, this is not the end. As Indian agencies continue to track and dismantle remaining sleeper cells and infiltration routes, the fight against terrorism remains ongoing.

While families of victims take solace in the fact that justice has begun, the nation must remain united and vigilant against forces that seek to disrupt peace and harmony. The legacy of Operation Mahadev will serve as both a deterrent to enemies and a tribute to the victims whose lives must never be forgotten.

(Sources: OpIndia, Hindustan Times, India Today)