Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar/New Delhi, DD, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that the three Pakistani terrorists responsible for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam have been neutralized in a joint operation by the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Speaking during a session on internal security, Shah said the operation—code-named ‘Operation Mahadev’—was launched based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of heavily armed terrorists in the Dachigam-Harwan forest area, located on the outskirts of Srinagar.
“The terrorists who spilled the blood of innocents in Pahalgam have been brought to justice. In a joint operation conducted yesterday, our forces eliminated all three Pakistan-based terrorists involved in the attack,” said Shah in the House.
The encounter lasted several hours and resulted in the killing of Suleman Shah, Jibran, and Hibaab Tahir—all foreign terrorists trained and infiltrated from across the border. Arms and ammunition, including a US-made carbine, an AK-47 rifle, 17 rifle grenades, and other war-like materials, were recovered from the site.
Calling it a “message of zero tolerance towards terrorism,” Shah said,
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has adopted a proactive and uncompromising stance against terrorism. No terrorist involved in the killing of civilians will be spared, whether local or foreign. This is the new India—decisive, bold, and committed to justice.”
Shah also paid tribute to the security forces for their bravery, coordination, and swift action.
“Our forces worked in perfect synergy. This operation stands as a testament to their professionalism and dedication. I commend the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police for delivering justice within 100 days of the heinous Pahalgam attack,” he said.
The April 22 attack in Pahalgam had left several civilians dead, drawing nationwide condemnation and grief. Shah said the successful elimination of the attackers was not only an act of retribution but a “warning to terror sponsors sitting across the border.”
“Let Pakistan and its terror handlers hear this loud and clear—India will hunt down each and every terrorist who tries to bleed our land. We will avenge every drop of innocent blood spilled,” Shah concluded(DD)
