More than three months after the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead, families of the victims are expressing a complex blend of sorrow and relief. This emotional response follows the Indian Army’s recent operation that resulted in the death of the main suspect behind the brutal attack.
The operation, dubbed Operation Mahadev, saw Indian Army para commandos engage in a fierce gunfight near Srinagar, where they successfully eliminated three Pakistani terrorists, including Suleman, also known as Asif. Authorities have identified him as the mastermind behind the attack that specifically targeted tourists, leading to the deaths of civilians, including women and children.
Vikas Kumrawat, who lost his elder brother Sushil Nathaniel in the attack, spoke about the family’s long wait for justice. “We were contemplating for a long time why the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack had not been apprehended yet. We are very happy and relieved with the news of the army killing the mastermind,” he said.
In a poignant reflection of the incident’s devastating impact, Rajesh Narwal, the father of Indian Navy officer Lt Vinay Narwal, expressed his gratitude towards the military forces. Lt Narwal, who was on his honeymoon, lost his life during the attack. “I salute the Army, paramilitary, and J&K Police jawans for their bravery. They risked their lives and hunted down the terrorists. They must be honoured,” Narwal articulated.
Prashant Satpathy’s wife, one of the attack victims, added, “Those who have gone won’t return, but terror must end. We are proud of the Indian Army,” underscoring the widespread sentiment among the bereaved families.
Officials noted that Operation Mahadev was launched following intelligence agencies tracing a satellite phone signal associated with the attackers. The operation took place in the Lidwas area, close to Srinagar.
Earlier in May, in reaction to the horrific Pahalgam massacre, India had already initiated Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps across the Line of Control. This operation successfully struck at least nine terror facilities in a series of precision strikes aimed at dismantling the infrastructure of terror in the region.
