Srinagar, July 28, KNT: Three militants were killed on Monday in an encounter with joint forces in the upper reaches of Srinagar’s Dachigam area, as a massive anti-militancy operation codenamed Operation Mahadev unfolded in the Harwan belt. The joint operation, still ongoing, was launched by the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police after receiving specific intelligence about militant presence in the rugged terrain.
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, V.K. Birdi confirmed that the operation began following credible inputs. He stated that so far three bodies have been recovered from the dense and forested encounter site, though the operation remains in progress. “The terrain is challenging and requires careful movement. Reinforcements were rushed as the location is close to civilian habitations,” he said.
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The three slain militants have been identified in reports as Suleiman Shah, Abu Hamza, and Yasir. However, officials have not yet confirmed their nationalities or group affiliations. Asked whether they were linked to the recent attack in Pahalgam, the IGP said further details would be shared after the operation concludes and investigations are completed.
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Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking in Parliament during the Operation Sindoor debate, acknowledged the ongoing counter-insurgency drive in Jammu and Kashmir and commended the forces for their alertness and coordinated action near Srinagar.
Security officials have maintained a tight cordon in the area, and search operations continue to rule out the presence of additional militants. [KNT]
IGP Kashmir VK Birdi Talking About #Srinagar Encounter pic.twitter.com/walwLtD1ka
— Kashmir News Trust༝ (@kntnewsagency) July 28, 2025
