In a high-stakes counter-terrorism mission, the Indian Army, in close coordination with the CRPF and Jammu & Kashmir Police, launched Operation Mahadev on July 27–28, 2025, targeting terrorist infiltration in the Lidwas area near Dara and Harwan, located on the outskirts of Srinagar. The operation marks a significant stride in India’s continuing crackdown on cross-border terrorism, specifically against the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Mission Overview

• Location: Lidwas area near Dara and Harwan, Jammu and Kashmir
• Launch Date: July 27–28, 2025
• Participating Forces: Joint team comprising Indian Army units (24 RR and 4 PARA), Central Reserve Police Force, and Jammu & Kashmir Police
• Tactical Outcome: Elimination of three Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists of Pakistani origin
• Operational Aids: Deployment of drones, multi-layered intelligence inputs, and real-time situational monitoring
• Ongoing Actions: Area sanitization and combing operations remain active to ensure complete security consolidation

Operation Background and Intelligence Inputs

The operation was sparked by actionable intelligence indicating the movement of LeT terrorists in the Lidwas region, an area marked by dense forests and treacherous trekking routes. Located just 20 km from Srinagar, Lidwas and its adjoining Dara-Harwan-Dachigam belt have historically served as infiltration corridors due to their inaccessible terrain.

Security agencies had reason to believe that some militants involved in the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead, had shifted their base towards this area.

The Encounter

At around 11 AM on July 28, Indian forces made contact with the militants. What followed was an intense firefight, in which three Pakistani nationals affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba were eliminated. The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army confirmed the development in an official statement:

“Three terrorists have been neutralised in an intense firefight. Operation continues.”

Drone support and rapid reinforcements were deployed to prevent any escape or civilian harm. The identities and affiliations of the terrorists are under investigation to determine links with the Pahalgam massacre.

The Pahalgam Attack Link

The Baisaran Valley massacre in Pahalgam was one of the deadliest civilian attacks in recent years. Lashkar-e-Taiba claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025 attack, in which 26 civilians — including women and children — were killed. Although Operation Sindoor, launched earlier, targeted terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and reportedly neutralised over 100 terrorists, key operatives within Indian territory remained at large.

Operation Mahadev is considered a tactical follow-up to root out these remnants.

Why the Dara-Harwan-Dachigam Belt is Crucial

The Dara-Harwan-Dachigam region holds immense strategic value:

• Rugged and forested terrain ideal for concealment and infiltration
• Sparse civilian population, enabling covert movement
• Proximity to high-profile tourist zones like Pahalgam and Gulmarg
• Nearness to Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir

Due to these factors, the Indian Army has intensified long-term area domination, including foot patrols, drone-based surveillance, and engagement with nomadic communities.

Significance of Operation Mahadev

• Counter-Terrorism Win: Successfully neutralised high-risk LeT operatives
• Restoring Civilian Confidence: Helps restore a sense of security in a volatile region
• Symbol of Modern Warfare: Drone and surveillance tech highlight the military’s evolution
• Justice for Pahalgam Victims: A step closer to accountability and closure

Conclusion

Operation Mahadev is a testament to India’s evolving counter-terrorism doctrine — blending human intelligence with advanced surveillance to deliver precise outcomes. While the final confirmation of links to the Pahalgam attack is awaited, the mission’s success has dealt a serious blow to terror networks attempting to exploit Kashmir’s vulnerable geography.

The operation continues, with security forces maintaining a tight grip over the area and combing operations still underway.