Srinagar : In a major breakthrough, Indian security forces gunned down three suspected TRF (The Resistance Front) terrorists linked to the recent Pahalgam attack during a high-intensity operation codenamed Operation Mahadev. The encounter took place in the dense forests of Lidwas area on the outskirts of Srinagar.

Joint teams of the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a search operation in the upper stretches of the Dachigam forest on Monday after receiving specific intelligence inputs. The region, which connects Srinagar to Tral via a hilly terrain, has been under heightened surveillance following recent militant activities.

During the cordon-and-search operation, heavy gunfire was exchanged, leading to the neutralization of all three terrorists. Security agencies suspect that more militants could still be hiding in the area, believed to be a strategic hideout for TRF operatives.

Dachigam National Park, a thickly forested region, is increasingly being considered a key base for TRF militants. Intelligence suggests that the group was responsible for the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which had triggered widespread security concerns.

Authorities swiftly cordoned off the entire area and intensified combing operations. Locals reported hearing gunshots and were urged by officials to stay calm and maintain distance from the operation zone. The district administration has appealed to residents to cooperate with the security forces and maintain peace until the area is declared secure.

Security experts believe the elimination of these militants is a significant blow to the TRF’s operational capacity in South Kashmir. The operation remains ongoing, with drone surveillance and additional reinforcements deployed to prevent any escape or regrouping of militants in the region.