In a significant development linked to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrived in Srinagar on Tuesday to begin a probe into the killing of Sulieman alias Asif, the alleged mastermind of the April 22 massacre, along with two of his close associates.
The three militants were killed in a fierce encounter on Monday in Mulnar, Harwan, near Dachigam National Park, in a joint operation by the Army’s elite para commandos and other security forces. The action, based on technical surveillance, was codenamed ‘Operation Mahadev’ and is being hailed as a major breakthrough in the counter-terror efforts launched post the Pahalgam attack.
NIA Steps In for Forensic Identification and Case Linkage
Sources said the NIA team reached the Police Control Room (PCR) early Tuesday to initiate formal identification of the slain militants. The process involves witness verification in small batches to ensure 100% confirmation that the primary target — Sulieman Shah — has been neutralized.
The bodies of the militants were shifted to the PCR from the encounter site late Monday night, where the NIA is conducting further forensic and biometric analysis, including matching DNA and facial features.
High-Profile Targets Eliminated
Alongside Sulieman, two other terrorists were killed:
- Jibran, allegedly involved in the Sonamarg Tunnel terror strike at Gagangir in October 2024, where seven people, including a doctor, were killed.
- Hamza Afghani, believed to be a foreign terrorist with expertise in arms handling and explosives.
The operation was triggered by a technical signal intercept, indicating the use of a satellite phone previously traced to the Pahalgam attackers. Following the lead, security forces swiftly launched a precision strike.
Recovered from the site were:
- One M4 Carbine Rifle
- Two AK-Series Assault Rifles
- Other arms and ammunition
Backdrop: Pahalgam Massacre and Operation Sindoor
On April 22, terrorists gunned down 26 civilians, mostly tourists, at Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam, sending shockwaves across the country. The incident led to the launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7, a coordinated military campaign to dismantle terror networks operating from across the border in Pakistan.
Sulieman was believed to be a key planner and handler, coordinating with Pakistan-based terror outfits to carry out the attack.
Operation Continues Amid New Threats
Officials say the broader operation remains active, as intelligence inputs suggest the presence of more terrorists in the Harwan-Dachigam belt. Search operations and area domination patrols are ongoing, with reinforcements deployed to neutralize any remaining threats.
Security agencies have also tightened surveillance around Srinagar and sensitive zones, anticipating potential retaliatory strikes or escape attempts by surviving group members.
What Lies Ahead
The NIA is now tasked with connecting the dots between:
- The Pahalgam attack planning
- The funding and logistical support routes
- The handlers across the border
- And the networks active within Kashmir Valley
Officials say that the recovery of the satellite phone and weapons cache will likely offer critical insights into foreign involvement, routes of infiltration, and local facilitators.
This encounter is seen as a major morale boost for the security establishment, but experts warn that terror infrastructure across the border remains active, requiring continued vigilance.
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