Context: Operation Mahadev, a joint counter-terrorist mission near Srinagar, successfully neutralised three high-value terrorists, including Suleiman Shah, the mastermind behind the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
About Operation Mahadev:
- What It Is?
- A precision counter-terror operation executed to eliminate Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked terrorists hiding near Lidwas, Harwan in Srinagar.
- Launched By: Jointly launched by the Indian Army (Para SF), CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police, under the strategic command of Chinar Corps.
- Objective: To neutralise terrorists involved in high-profile attacks, especially those responsible for the Pahalgam and Sonamarg Tunnel assaults.
- Significance:
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- Major blow to cross-border terror infrastructure operating in Kashmir.
- Removed Pakistan-trained terrorists, including a former Pak Army man.
- Boosts morale of security forces amid ongoing Operation Sindoor debate.
Relevance in UPSC Exam:
- GS Paper 3 – Internal Security: Illustrates India’s counter-terrorism strategy, intelligence-led operations, and coordination among armed forces and paramilitary.
- GS Paper 2 – India’s Neighbourhood Relations: Highlights cross-border terrorism and Pakistan’s involvement via non-state actors.
- Essay/Ethics: Can be cited as an example of proactive leadership, inter-agency cooperation, and ethical dilemma in use of force in insurgency zones.
