In a significant counter-terrorism breakthrough, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, visited North Kashmir on Tuesday to commend the Indian Army troops for their exemplary performance in Operation Mahadev.
The operation, launched on July 28 in the Lidwas area near Dara, was a joint effort by the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu & Kashmir Police. Acting on precise intelligence about terrorist movement in the region, the security forces launched a swift assault that culminated in the elimination of three hardcore militants: Suleman Shah, Abu Hamza, and Yasir.
The encounter began at approximately 11:00 AM and involved intense exchanges of gunfire in the rugged, forested terrain. A militant hideout was discovered during the operation, with security forces recovering advanced weapons, including AK-47 rifles, carbines, and 17 rifle grenades. Officials believe the cache was part of a larger plan to conduct a major terror attack in the valley.
Suleman Shah, believed to be the mastermind behind the recent Pahalgam attack that killed multiple security personnel, was among those neutralized. His death marks a major success for the counter-terror operations in the Kashmir Valley.
Lt. Gen. Sharma praised the troops for their precision, resilience, and coordination during the high-altitude operation. The Dara region, popular among trekkers and difficult to access, posed logistical challenges. However, the Indian Army ensured swift deployment of reinforcements to seal off the area and prevent any escape.
This operation follows India’s recent offensive actions across the border, including Operation Sindoor in May 2025, aimed at dismantling terror launchpads inside Pakistan-occupied territory. The current campaign in Kashmir is part of a broader push to eliminate active militants and dismantle sleeper cells operating across the region.
Authorities are continuing search and combing operations in Lidwas and surrounding forested areas. An official conclusion to Operation Mahadev is expected soon as forces assess the extent of the terror network’s presence in the area.
