Terrifying mastermind neutralised
In a meticulously planned counter-terror operation named Operation Mahadev, Indian security forces have successfully neutralised Suleiman Shah alias Hashim Musa, the Pakistani ex-para-commando behind the April Pahalgam massacre that claimed 26 lives—including 25 tourists and one local resident. Musa was killed alongside two associates in the Dachigam/Harwan forest area near Srinagar.
Who Was Hashim Musa?
- A former Pakistan Army SSG commando, Musa received elite special forces training before joining Lashkar-e-Taiba under handlers linked to Pakistan’s ISI.
- Infiltrating India in September 2023, he orchestrated attacks across Kashmir, including the Pahalgam massacre and operations that killed workers at a tunnel project and security personnel in Baramulla.
Operation Mahadev: A Tactical Triumph
- The operation, overseen by Indian Army para commandos and J&K Police, followed 14 days of surveillance, including tracking encrypted satellite-phone signals.
- The terrorists were located gathering armaments while sleeping, leading to a swift intelligence-led raid.
- The hideout yielded AK‑47s, an M4 carbine, grenade rounds, and other military-grade weaponry.
Timeline and significance
April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack kills 26 civilians. Early JulySurveillance detects satellite phone useJuly 28, 2025 Operation Mahadev wipes out terror module
This operation marks a major operational success in India’s counterterrorism efforts in Jammu & Kashmir, eliminating a high-profile threat and reinforcing regional security.
- Musa’s transition from trained commando to terrorist highlights the role of state-sponsored radicalization and cross-border infiltration.
- The encounter demonstrates the Indian security forces’ capacity for deep intelligence gathering and surgical operational capability.
- With Musa gone, investigations continue into local support networks, sabotage logistics, and Pakistan’s alleged involvement.
Summery
This success is not just a tactical win—it serves as a strategic deterrent, sending a clear message about India’s resolve against terrorism. Hashim Musa was a brutal actor targeting civilians and infrastructure. His neutralisation offers closure to victims and reiterates India’s commitment to national security and justice.