NIA Probes Killing of Alleged Pahalgam Attack Mastermind in Srinagar Operation
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has embarked on a probe into the death of Sulieman, also known as Asif, who was believed to be the chief orchestrator of the April 22 Pahalgam terror incident. Sulieman, along with two accomplices, was killed in a high-intensity conflict with security personnel in the Harwan area near Srinagar on July 28. This operation, referred to as Operation Mahadev, was carried out by the Indian Army’s elite para commandos in the challenging terrains of the Dachigam forest.
NIA officials arrived at the Police Control Room (PCR) in Srinagar on Tuesday to verify the identities of the three deceased militants. Agency representatives noted that they are bringing witnesses in small groups to ensure Sulieman's identity is confirmed with absolute assurance.
The initiation of Operation Mahadev followed the interception of a satellite phone signal linked to the Pahalgam attack through technical surveillance. Utilizing this intelligence promptly, troops traced the signal to the Mulnar area near Dachigam National Park and executed the operation.
Besides Sulieman, the other two militants killed were identified as Jibran and Hamza Afghani. Jibran was reportedly involved in an attack at the Sonamarg Tunnel project site in October 2024, which resulted in seven fatalities, including a doctor. Hamza is suspected to be a Pakistani national.
Security forces retrieved one M4 carbine, two AK-series rifles, and a significant amount of ammunition from the encounter location. The bodies were moved to the PCR late Monday evening.
The April 22 terror attack at Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam resulted in 26 casualties, primarily tourists. This incident prompted the initiation of Operation Sindoor on May 7, a comprehensive crackdown on terror infrastructure across the border in Pakistan.
The Army suspects the presence of another terrorist group in the nearby forest area. Search operations are currently in progress.
Meanwhile, there has been a political response with the Congress party questioning the intelligence shortcomings and expressing concerns over the security failures that permitted the Pahalgam attack.
