Srinagar Encounter: Three Pahalgam Attack Masterminds Killed, TRF Hunt Intensifies

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Srinagar Encounter

Key Points:

  • Three Pakistani terrorists believed responsible for the April Pahalgam massacre have been killed near Mount Mahadev, Srinagar.
  • Security forces launched Operation Mahadev, a joint operation by Army, J&K Police, and CRPF, after specific intelligence.
  • TRF (The Resistance Front) terrorists suspected to be still hiding in Dachigam forests; area cordoned off.
  • TRF, a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy, claimed responsibility for previous attacks, including a recent landmine near the LoC.
  • April 2025 Pahalgam attack: 26 tourists killed when TRF militants opened fire; the latest encounter seen as a major breakthrough.

New Delhi: Nearly three months after the horrific Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead, Indian security forces scored a significant breakthrough by eliminating three suspected Pakistani terrorists in a high-stakes encounter near Mount Mahadev, Srinagar. Intelligence sources, cited by India Today, confirm that the slain militants were directly involved in the April attack that shocked the nation.

How the Operation Unfolded

Acting on intel about the presence of foreign militants in Srinagar’s Lidwas area, the Army, J&K Police, and CRPF swiftly launched Operation Mahadev. A brief but intense firefight ensued, with security forces cornering the heavily armed suspects. All three were neutralized after they refused to surrender. The bodies are yet to be formally identified, but sources indicate Pakistani origin and direct links to the Pahalgam bloodbath.

Terror Trail: Dachigam Forests Under Scanner

The operation’s success comes amid heightened searches in the Dachigam region, long regarded as a TRF stronghold. On Monday, gunfire erupted as troops combed the forests, pointing to the potential presence of more hidden militants. The area remains under a security cordon, and authorities have asked locals to stay indoors as the counter-terrorism offensive enters a critical phase.

TRF’s Growing Infamy

TRF (The Resistance Front), closely allied to Lashkar-e-Taiba, has stepped up activities in the Valley. The group recently claimed a landmine attack near the Line of Control that resulted in casualties among Indian soldiers, signaling their persistent threat. Security agencies suggest the group receives direct logistical and operational support from across the border.

Remembering Pahalgam: A Nation Still in Mourning

April’s attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, was among the deadliest in J&K’s recent history. TRF militants had targeted tourists, indiscriminately opening fire after forcing them to identify themselves resulting in 26 fatalities and triggering national outrage.

What’s Next?

With three high-value TRF operatives down, security agencies are intensifying combing operations in surrounding forests, suspecting more militants are on the run. The crackdown aims to dismantle TRF’s network ahead of key pilgrimage and tourist seasons, ensuring safety for residents and visitors.

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