Pahalgam attack mastermind killed in India joint operation

New Delhi: Indian security forces have killed Sulaiman, the alleged mastermind behind the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, in a joint operation named Operation Mahadev, conducted by the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Sulaiman, also known by his alias Hashim Moosa, was a highly trained militant operating in the Valley since 2022. Officials said he was directly involved in planning and executing the Pahalgam massacre. Two other militants, Abu Hamza and Yasir, were also killed in the operation.

Investigations have revealed that the Pahalgam strike was a tightly guarded conspiracy. Local collaborators provided only limited logistical support, such as food and shelter, without knowledge of the attack’s details, officials said.

In the wake of the attack, the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 6–7, striking nine terror infrastructure targets. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing Parliament on Monday, described the mission as a “historic and decisive demonstration” of India’s resolve against terrorism. Singh confirmed that over 100 terrorists were eliminated in precision strikes that lasted just 22 minutes.

The Defence Minister informed the Lok Sabha about the “in-depth study” conducted by the armed forces prior to launching Operation Sindoor. He said that India chose to inflict maximum damage to terrorists while ensuring that civilians remained unharmed.

Prior to Singh’s address, Lok Sabha was adjourned thrice till 2 pm amid the ruckus, with Opposition MPs entering the Well of the Lower House.

However, the government faced a sharp backlash during the parliamentary debate. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticised the Centre for alleged intelligence lapses, demanding accountability from the Home Minister. “Over 100 days have passed, yet the government hasn’t explained how the terrorists managed to infiltrate Pahalgam and execute such a horrific attack,” Gogoi said, adding that senior military leaders had acknowledged initial missteps during Operation Sindoor.

Gogoi also questioned India’s foreign policy.

The Congress MP accused the government of being dismissive in the face of grave security lapses and slammed the Prime Minister for skipping a visit to Pahalgam after the attack, contrasting it with Rahul Gandhi’s outreach to the victims’ families.

The Pahalgam massacre and its fallout, including Operation Sindoor, have reignited debate over India’s counterterrorism strategy, border security, and the role of terror outfits.