In a highly impressive showcase of its superior counterterrorism capabilities, the Indian security forces have just completed two exceptionally successful operations, Operation Mahadev and Operation Shiv Shakti, showing a clear resolve in ridding the country of terrorist threat in India and at its borders. These operations reflect a systematic and intelligence-led, evidence-based response consisting of the latest technology and vital human intelligence coupled with coordinated multi-agency approaches.
In Kashmir’s harsh and wild wilderness, some crimes require not just justice, but a strong message. The vicious attack in Pahelgam, murderously gunning down 26 innocent people, including tourists, was such a crime. The attackers were likely thinking that the thick forests and mountain hideouts of Kashmir would conceal them from inevitable revenge, making them untouchable. They were catastrophically wrong; what they were subjected to next was textbook counter-terrorism in action known as Operation Mahadev.
The Trigger: A Chinese Satellite Phone Signal
The first crucial breakthrough in tracking down the terrorists came through technology. Operatives from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) detected a Chinese T82 Ultrasat satellite phone signal near the attack site.This was very important detail because the T82 Ultrasat is military-grade equipment for communications, and not for your basic criminals. Immediately it meant foreign involvement. The IB successfully traced the signal to the Dachigam forests, which is near Srinagar.
A web of intelligence: Technology and Human intelligence combined.
Although technology did give the original lead, it was not the only element in the success of the operation. Human Intelligence was almost equally important.
- The local shepherds were essential as they reported sightings of armed and a few times, masked men in an area that tourists typically would not go to.
- This was important information that added to the layered intelligence picture along with drone assessments and decrypted communications.
The target area of Dachigam National Park came with many operational challenges. The forests were very dense and hilly, which provides thick canopy cover along with many escape routes for the terrorists and visibility and navigating challenges for security forces.
Intelligence continued to work at this with precision for weeks. The IB continuously used multiple forms of surveillance:
- Thermal drones to assess the movement patterns.
- Intercepted communications provided plain operational objectives.
- Ground sources provided current information. This gradual layering of information gradually reduced the area of interest to Lidwas, which was a remote section of Dachigam.
The Coordinated Strike: Operation Mahadev Launches
After two weeks of intense preparation, Operation Mahadev was launched. The military response was characterized by meticulous, coordinated planning. The Chinar Corps led the operation, bringing together:
- The Indian Army’s 4 Para Commandos: Specialists in high-altitude and forest warfare.
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) units: Possessing extensive counter-insurgency experience.
- Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police: Providing invaluable local area knowledge.
- The 4 Para Commandos navigated Dachigam’s challenging terrain with precision, utilizing drone feeds and precise intelligence coordinates. Their approach was methodical, with movement patterns specifically designed to prevent terrorist escape while maintaining operational security.
The Confrontation and Elimination
The climactic firefight occurred at the terrorist hideout in Lidwas. Three terrorists were eliminated and their names and backgrounds provided clear evidence of the international nature of this terrorist cell.
- Salman Shah: Identified as a Pakistani ex-commando and a Lashkar-e-Taiba operative.
- Jibran.
- Hamza Afghani. Their names and backgrounds provided clear evidence of the international nature of this terrorist cell.
Comprehensive Evidence and Forensic Confirmation
Following the encounter, evidence recovery was comprehensive. Security forces found:
- One M4 carbine.
- Two AK-47 rifles.
- Seventeen grenades.
- Pakistani water identity cards.
- Personal supplies.
These items firmly established clear links to foreign terrorist networks and suggested extended operational planning. The final confirmation came from forensic analysis. Tests conducted in Chandigarh matched the recovered weapons to the Pahelgam attack, scientifically eliminating any doubt about the terrorists’ involvement in the original incident.
Broader Implications: A Clear Message Delivered
The detail of the Chinese satellite phone deserves particular emphasis. Foreign terrorists had relied on equipment they believed would provide secure communication; instead, it became their tracking device. This represents a significant intelligence capability that potential adversaries should note.
Operation Mahadev achieved all its primary objectives:
- The perpetrators of the Pahelgam attack were eliminated.
- Crucial evidence was recovered and forensically verified.
- Remarkably, no security personnel were lost during the operation.
Operation: Continuing the Momentum
Less than 48 hours after the culmination of Operation Mahadev, the Indian Army launched Operation Shiv Shakti in the early hours of Wednesday, July 30, 2025. This swift follow-up operation led to the elimination of two more heavily armed terrorists who were attempting to infiltrate from across the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch. The success of Operation Shiv Shakti was also attributed to synergistic and synchronized intelligence inputs from the Army’s own intelligence units and the J&K Police. Alert troops demonstrated swift action and accurate firepower, thwarting the nefarious designs of the infiltrators.
Three weapons were recovered from the neutralized terrorists. Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma also commended the troops involved in Operation Shiv Shakti for their swift action and precise execution. This operation unequivocally demonstrated India’s capacity to track, locate, and eliminate terrorist threats, irrespective of terrain challenges or foreign involvement. The broader implications are clear: terrorist attacks on Indian soil will trigger systematic responses. India’s enhanced intelligence capabilities can track foreign equipment and communication, and its multiple security agencies can coordinate effectively for even the most complex operations. The message is straightforward and unmissable: difficult terrain provides no guaranteed sanctuary. Attack Indian citizens, and you will face the full capability of India’s security operators. Geography won’t hide you, technology won’t protect you, and time won’t save you. This is the reality of modern counter-terrorism operations in India: methodical, comprehensive, and conclusive.
Ongoing Counterterrorism Efforts and Recoveries
Beyond these two major operations, the security forces remain vigilant:
- Search Operations in Kathua: A search operation was launched in the Rajbagh area of Kathua district following reports of suspicious movement of at least two suspected persons wearing black dresses and carrying backpacks near the Ujh river. Locals informed police, leading to a search in Chabba Chak, Rampur, and adjoining areas.
- Arrest of Terror Associate in Nagrota: In a separate incident, J&K police arrested a terror associate, Azan Hameed Gazi, from Nagrota. He was intercepted at Nagrota bypass TCP while traveling from Jammu to Srinagar. During the search of his vehicle (a Toyota Etios), police recovered three Chinese and Turkish-made pistols, three empty magazines, eight live cartridges, and two empty cartridges, concealed in a handbag. The accused could not produce valid documents for the recovered arms, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the origin and intended use of the weapons.
These continuous operations underscore India’s multi-faceted strategy to combat terrorism, employing advanced technology, human intelligence, and coordinated inter-agency efforts to ensure national security and prevent attacks on its citizens
