J&K Encounter Under Operation Mahadev: 3 Lashkar Terrorists Killed, Pahalgam Link Confirmed

In a major counter-terror operation codenamed Operation Mahadev, three foreign terrorists linked to the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were killed in the upper forest ranges of Dachigam, located on the outskirts of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation was jointly carried out by the Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police and marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to curb cross-border infiltration and militancy in the region.

The encounter began earlier on Sunday following reports of gunfire from the dense Dachigam forest. Responding swiftly, a large-scale cordon and search operation was launched in the area. According to security sources, the gunfight began when an area domination patrol of the Indian Army spotted suspicious movement around 11 am, prompting immediate tactical action.

Intelligence-Led Operation

Top intelligence officials confirmed that the three slain militants were foreign nationals, with confirmed ties to Lashkar-e-Taiba, one of the most active and dangerous terrorist groups operating out of Pakistan. Operation Mahadev, they noted, was the result of a month-long intelligence-led effort, involving surveillance and coordination between various security agencies. The Dachigam encounter appears connected to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, as preliminary inputs suggest the three slain terrorists include two suspects who had earlier provided logistical support in Pahalgam and were on the radar following their arrest.

Search and combing operations continued into the evening to recover weapons and confirm identities. Drone-mounted cameras were used to capture images of the deceased militants at the encounter site. The use of drones and real-time image verification highlights the sophistication of modern counter-insurgency efforts in Kashmir’s difficult terrain.

Part of a Larger Infiltration Grid

While there is no evidence yet connecting the slain terrorists to previous attacks, intelligence inputs suggest they were part of a larger network of approximately 150 infiltrated militants currently active in Jammu and Kashmir. The Dachigam forest, with its rugged and heavily wooded terrain, has long been a favourite hideout for terror groups due to its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) and difficult access.

Meanwhile, another anti-terror operation was launched in the Lidwas area, indicating a broader and more synchronized security response to eliminate terrorist presence across the valley.

This successful operation marks a significant blow to the militant ecosystem in the region and underscores the evolving capabilities of Indian security forces in tracking and neutralizing foreign operatives operating within Indian territory.