Amit Shah announced the killing of Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Suleman—key accused in the Pahalgam terror attack—during a joint counter-terror operation named 'Operation Mahadev.'
During the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Union Home Minister Amit Shah shared a major update on 2 July. He announced that the three terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack had been killed in a joint counter-terror operation.
"In a joint Operation Mahadev, the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police have neutralised three terrorists who were involved in the Pahalgam terror attack," Shah stated while addressing the Lok Sabha.
Shah reminded the House of the brutal killing of innocent civilians in Pahalgam earlier this year. He said the terrorists had asked people their religion before killing them in front of their families. He called it a “barbaric act” and offered condolences to the families of the victims.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah identified the three slain terrorists as key operatives of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He named them as Suleman, Afghan, and Jibran, all of whom played direct roles in the brutal Pahalgam attack.
Suleman, a top-ranking A-category commander, was known for orchestrating several violent acts in Jammu and Kashmir. Afghan, also classified as an A-category terrorist, held a similar position in the LeT hierarchy and was involved in planning and executing deadly assaults. Jibran, the third individual, was described as a notorious and highly wanted militant, long sought by security agencies.
“These terrorists were directly involved in the killing of our citizens at Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam. All of them have now been eliminated,” Shah declared in Parliament. Their deaths mark a significant step in India’s efforts to dismantle terror networks operating in the region and bring justice to the victims of such heinous crimes.
The final gunbattle took place in the Harwan area near Dachigam National Park in Srinagar. The Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police jointly launched Operation Mahadev. After a fierce exchange of fire, all three terrorists were killed.
This operation was carried out swiftly and with full coordination between the forces.
Amit Shah used the moment to highlight India's strong stance against terrorism. He said, “This is the new India. We will find terrorists, even across the border, and punish them.”
The announcement came during a debate on Operation Sindoor, a separate security operation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Shah’s update drew widespread support in the Lok Sabha. Several MPs praised the security forces for their courage and efficiency. The successful elimination of the terrorists is being seen as a major milestone in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism.
