I don’t know about you, but that April morning still gives me chills. The news broke out like fire—26 lives lost in the beautiful valley of Pahalgam, many of them innocent tourists who came to see the paradise we call Kashmir. I remember seeing those terrified faces on my screen, crying, bloodstained, helpless. It was devastating. But today, I’m writing with a sigh of relief and a slightly steadier heartbeat. Because the man who plotted that massacre is finally gone.
Yes, the mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack, Suleiman Shah, also known as Hashim Moosa, was killed in Operation Mahadev by Indian forces in the upper reaches of Lidwas near Srinagar. This isn’t just news—it’s justice trying to catch up with terror. And it did.
What Happened in Lidwas? Inside Operation Mahadev
OP MAHADEV
— Chinar Corps🍁 – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) July 28, 2025
Contact established in General Area Lidwas. Operation in progress.#Kashmir@adgpi@NorthernComd_IA pic.twitter.com/xSjEegVxra
It was Monday, July 28, 2025. The Indian Army, along with J&K Police and CRPF, launched a coordinated operation in the Lidwas area, surrounded by the dense woods of the Dachigam forest range. As per what I’ve read and heard, they had specific intelligence inputs that three terrorists were hiding there. And the place wasn’t just a hideout—it was a base camp. A hideout deep in the forest where they cooked, ate, and planned more evil.
The place is significant too. The Dachigam forest range has two flanks—one that reaches Pahalgam and another that touches Ganderbal. That’s no coincidence. The same terrain that gave them cover now became their grave.
In the intense gunfight that followed, three terrorists were neutralized. Among them was Suleiman Shah—the same man who had a Rs 20 lakh bounty on his head for what he did in April. The Army calls it a “major success,” and I couldn’t agree more.
Who Was Suleiman Shah? More Than Just a Terrorist
Suleiman Shah wasn’t just another gun-toting radical. According to reports, he was an ex-commando of the Pakistan Army’s elite unit. He wasn’t just trained—he was trained to kill with precision. After leaving the military, he became a top operative of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), one of the deadliest terror groups active in Kashmir.
Post the Pahalgam attack, Shah was believed to be hiding in Ganderbal, slipping through cracks, changing locations. But this time, the cracks closed in. Security forces didn’t just get lucky—they were precise, strategic, and deeply committed to finding him.
The Firefight and What Was Recovered
I’ve seen pictures shared by the Chinar Corps, and let me tell you, the scale of this operation wasn’t ordinary. Officials said the terrorists were heavily armed. Among the recovered items were a U.S.-made carbine, an AK-47, 17 rifle grenades, and more. These aren’t just weapons—they’re war machines in the hands of extremists.
The terrain wasn’t easy either. Lidwas, located in the upper forest reaches of Dara, near Dachigam National Park, is tough land. It’s remote, hard to access, and perfect for guerrilla warfare. But even in such terrain, our forces showed unmatched grit.
Was It Revenge or Justice?
I don’t know what to call it—revenge or justice—but I do know this: for the families who lost their loved ones in Pahalgam, this brings a little bit of peace. Of course, no bullet can bring the dead back, but knowing the man responsible won’t plan another attack brings some comfort.
IGP Vidhi Kumar Birdi, the top cop of Kashmir, confirmed the kills and said the identification is still underway officially, but there’s strong belief that Suleiman Shah is among the dead. The visuals from the site show a typical forest hideout—with utensils, food remains, and signs of prolonged stay. These men weren’t there by mistake. They were planning something big again.
Why This Operation Matters for India
I’ve followed Kashmir news for years, and if there’s one thing that defines counter-terrorism in the Valley, it’s resilience. Operation Mahadev wasn’t just about killing terrorists—it was about reclaiming control and making a statement.
It tells the world that India will not forget, and India will not forgive when innocent lives are taken. It also sends a strong message to Pakistan, especially considering Shah’s military background. We’re not just chasing shadows—we’re hunting down masterminds.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official statements, media reports, and verified inputs. The identification of the deceased is subject to official confirmation by authorities. The emotions and reflections expressed in the article are solely for human understanding and not meant to provoke or offend any community or nation.
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