The Author is Former Director General of Information Systems and A Special Forces Veteran, Indian Army

The heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley in J&K on April 22, 2025, in which, 26 Hindus were singled out and shot is known world-wide. India responded through Operation 'Sindoor', attacking terrorist and military targets in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) in the wee hours of May 7, 2025. Some 100 terrorists were killed and massive damage was inflicted on the Pakistan forces in terms of aircraft, AD systems and infrastructure, as covered in these columns earlier. (https://www.spsmai.com/experts-speak/?id=1680&q=Operation-Sindoor-to-Ceasefire).

The TRF (The Resistance Force), an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the terror strike. The world at large, the US and China included, condemned the terror attack and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. However, none (with the exception of Israel) blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam massacre, despite India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar touring multiple countries and India sending all-party delegations to 32 countries to expose Pakistan. The US branded TRF as Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist, but still didn't blame Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack.

Operation 'Sindoor' attacked terrorist and military targets in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) in the wee hours of May 7, 2025.

Operation Sindoor was paused after 88 hours but terrorists who executed the Pahalgam massacre remained elusive. Then the mainstream media reported on July 28, 2025 that the Pahalgam massacre mastermind Suleiman (Hashim Musa) Shah, who served in Pakistan Army's Special Services Group (SSG) and later became a LeT operative, was among three Pakistani terrorists killed in a security forces operation, Operation 'Mahadev', spearheaded by 4 Para (Special Forces). Suleiman was coaxed by LeT Chief Hafiz Saeed to join LeT and undertake terror attacks in India. Post the Pahalgam massacre, J&K Police announced ₹20 lakh reward to anyone providing information about Musa. The striking success of gunning down Suleiman Shah coincided with the first day of the two-day debate in Parliament on Operation Sindoor.

Operation Mahadev - Two AK Series Rifles, one M4 Rifle and a large quantity of ammunition and warlike stores were recovered from the site.

Hashim Musa had infiltrated through the Kathua–Samba sector of the IB around September 2023. He then moved through Budgam, Baramulla, Rajouri, Poonch, and Ganderbal, establishing terror networks and coordinating attacks. This was identified by security agencies through combined intelligence efforts and interrogation of over ground workers. In addition to the Pahalgam massacre, Musa was suspected of behind at least three other major attacks in 2024, including those in Ganderbal and Baramulla, where both security forces and civilians were targeted. Evidence drawn from digital intelligence and field operatives indicated his recurring presence in these flashpoints.

Operation 'Mahadev', a carefully orchestrated counter-terror operation, spanned over 14 days in the challenging terrains of J&K. The operation was named after Mahadev Peak, near which the terrorists were hiding. Security forces acted upon physical and electronic intelligence, establishing 24x7 surveillance over dense forests in the Mahadev region. Suspicious communication intercepts in early July and subsequent intelligence pointed to the use of Chinese ultra radio technology; encrypted messaging (WY SMS) favoured by the LeT. The LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militants were tracked meticulously for two weeks before a precise strike was carried out. Upon confirming the location, security forces homed on to Dachigam forests, an area known for its difficult terrain and altitude where the terrorists were believed hiding.

Pahalgam massacre mastermind Suleiman (Hashim Musa) Shah, who served in Pakistan Army's Special Services Group (SSG) and later became a LeT operative, was among three Pakistani terrorists killed in Operation 'Mahadev'

The final encounter took place in the Mulnar area of Harwan, with security forces isolating the hideout. After a fierce firefight, 4 Para (Special Forces) killed the three high-value Pakistani terrorists. The other two terrorists were identified as Abu Hamza and Tahir Habib, former Pakistan army soldier and LeT operative. Recoveries from the well-fortified forest hideout included AK-47 rifles, carbines, 17 rifle grenades and other arms. The tell-tale signs in the hideout indicated the terrorists were preparing for another major strike.

Proof of Pakistan behind the Pahalgam massacre came from within Pakistan. The 'Janaza-Ghaib' (funeral in absentia) of Tahir Habib killed in Operation 'Mahadev' was performed in his village Khai Gala in Rawalkote (POK). When the local LeT commander Rizwan Hanif tried to join the funeral, Tahir's family members barred LeT members; a confrontation took place when Hanif insisted to join the funeral. Tahir was associated with the Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT) and the Student Liberation Front (SLF) before joining the Pakistan Army. He was a category 'A' terrorist wanted by India.

Pakistan claimed victory in Operation Sindoor; victory processions were held in many cities despite the losses suffered. New Delhi hasn't disclosed any of its losses in men and aircraft but Indian intelligence agencies were unaware that Pakistan's Nur Khan airbase is under American control, US nukes are stored in the vicinity of Nur Khan and Kirana Hills, and Muridke was vacated by terrorists before Operation Sindoor was launched. Not targeting Pakistan's AD systems in the first wave of attack, enabled Pakistan to target our aircraft. Operation 'Mahadev' no doubt was a splendid success, showcasing the professionalism of India's security forces, especially the clinical operation by 4 Para (Special Forces) which deserve special acclaim.

Pakistan, like all countries, respects power. India must be consistent in responding to Pakistani terrorism on an immediate basis.

The Pahalgam massacre was avenged with Operations 'Sindoor' and 'Mahadev'. However, madrassas in Pakistan churn out thousands of Islamic radicals annually – almost a million. Terrorism is a profession for Pakistan's booming youth population. Supported by the US-China, Pakistan will unlikely give up sponsoring terrorism, with the US targeting Indian economy, as well as CIA operations in Bangladesh and Myanmar. Operation Sindoor is paused but will a repeat of it put the brakes on Pakistan terrorism, and what will be the response from the US and China if their assets in Pakistan get hit?

India's response to Pakistan's proxy war is best described as "hiccupping"; one surgical strike in response to 19 army soldiers killed at Uri on September 18, 2016 by JeM terrorists; standoff airstrike in Balakot in response to the 2019 Pulwama car-bombing killing 40 CRPF personnel; Operations 'Sindoor' and 'Mahadev' in response to 26 Hindus killed in Pahalgam. Response to other Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attacks were on our side of the border.

India must be consistent in responding to Pakistani terrorism on an immediate basis. Cross-border terrorist launch pads must be kept under surveillance and struck with drones and standoff weapons based on intelligence and electronic inputs. Army Special Forces can execute many surgical strikes if given a free hand. They need to be told the end state required and the execution left to them. Also, Islamic terrorists are brain washed that killings would lead them to heaven, where 72 virgins await them. But they also believe burning by fire would take to hell. This is reason enough to burn, not bury, them. Finally, Pakistan, like all countries, respects power. But if this is done occasionally, it will remain ineffective.