The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched an investigation into the killing of Sulieman alias Asif, who was reportedly the mastermind behind the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. Sulieman, along with two associates, was killed during a high-intensity encounter with security forces in the Harwan area near Srinagar on July 28. This operation, dubbed Operation Mahadev, was executed by the elite para commandos of the Indian Army in the challenging terrain of the Dachigam forest.
NIA officials arrived at the Police Control Room (PCR) in Srinagar to identify the bodies of the three slain terrorists. To ensure the correct identification of Sulieman, the agency is bringing in witnesses in small groups for confirmation.
The operation was initiated following technical surveillance that intercepted a satellite phone signal linked to the Pahalgam attack. Security forces acted swiftly on this intelligence, tracing the source to the Mulnar area near Dachigam National Park and launching a decisive strike.
In addition to Sulieman, the other two terrorists who were neutralized have been identified as Jibran and Hamza Afghani. Jibran was allegedly involved in a deadly terror attack at the Sonamarg Tunnel project site in October 2024, which resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including a medical professional. Hamza is believed to have ties to Pakistan.
From the encounter site, security personnel recovered an M4 carbine, two AK-series rifles, and a significant cache of ammunition. The bodies of the three terrorists were transported to the PCR late on Monday evening.
The April 22 terror attack, which occurred at the Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam, claimed the lives of 26 individuals, most of whom were tourists. This tragic incident prompted the launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7, aimed at an extensive crackdown on the cross-border terror infrastructure that is believed to be operating from Pakistan.
Current intelligence suggests the possibility that another terrorist group may be active in the forest region surrounding the encounter site, and search operations are ongoing to locate any remaining threats.
In the wake of these developments, political reactions have begun to emerge. The Congress party has raised concerns over intelligence failures and questioned the security lapses that allowed the Pahalgam attack to occur, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining security in the region.
