Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir – In a significant breakthrough for security forces, three terrorists, including Suleiman Shah, the alleged mastermind behind the devastating Pahalgam terror attack, were neutralized on Monday during a fierce gunfight on the outskirts of Srinagar.
The operation, codenamed ‘Operation Mahadev,’ was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police based on specific intelligence. The encounter took place in the rugged Lidwas region, nestled near Dara and close to the picturesque Dachigam National Park.
The Srinagar-based Chinar Corps of the Indian Army confirmed the successful outcome on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Three terrorists have been neutralised in an intense firefight. Operation continues.” While the official statement remained concise, sources have identified one of the slain terrorists as Suleiman Shah, alias Hashim Moosa, the primary orchestrator of the April 22nd Pahalgam terror attack, which tragically claimed 26 lives, predominantly tourists.
Who was Suleiman Shah, the Mastermind?
Suleiman Shah was a prominent figure associated with the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Reports by NDTV indicate that he had previously served in the Pakistan Army, highlighting his significant background and potential training.
Following the horrific attack in Baisaran, Pahalgam, the Jammu and Kashmir Police had announced a substantial reward of ₹20 lakh for any credible information leading to his apprehension. Shah was believed to have been evading capture by hiding in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district in the weeks following the tragic incident.
Speaking to the media regarding the ongoing operation, IGP Kashmir Vidhi Kumar Birdi stated, “It is a prolonged operation and is still continuing in which J&K police, paramilitary and army have an exchange of fire (with terrorists) in higher reaches. As per the interior reports, three bodies are being observed and and seem to be neutralised. It is an ongoing operation and I would not like to divulge much at this moment. We will share details with you at an opportune time. It will take us some time for identification and all that. The (security) parties are still inside.”
The neutralization of Suleiman Shah marks a crucial victory in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region and brings a degree of closure for the victims and their families impacted by the Pahalgam attack.