Security forces continue to maintain vigilance in the region, with ongoing operations to ensure the safety of civilians and prevent further terrorist activities
By PC Bureau
Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command, visited the Dachigam area in North Kashmir on Tuesday to commend and felicitate troops for their resolute and swift execution of Operation Mahadev in Lidwas on July 28.
The operation, conducted in the challenging terrain of the Dachigam forest, resulted in the neutralization of three hardcore Pakistani terrorists responsible for the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
During his visit to the Chinar Corps, Lt Gen Sharma praised the troops for their resilience and precise action, which led to a significant blow to terrorist networks in the region.
The operation, codenamed Mahadev, was launched based on specific intelligence inputs indicating the presence of foreign terrorists in the Lidwas area near the Mahadev mountain peak.
The joint effort by the Indian Army’s 4 Para, 24 Rashtriya Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu & Kashmir Police culminated in an intense firefight, neutralizing the terrorists. Two AK Series Rifles, one M4 Rifle and a large quantity of ammunition and warlike stores were recovered from the site.
Lt Gen Sharma, who assumed command of the Northern Command in April 2025, reiterated the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir. “The Northern Command stands firm in its resolve to ensure peace and security in the region.
The success of Operation Mahadev is a testament to the bravery and professionalism of our forces,” he stated.
The operation comes on the heels of heightened security measures in the Valley, particularly in light of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and recent cross-border tensions following the Pahalgam attack in April 2025, which claimed 26 lives.
Lt Gen Sharma’s visit also included a review of operational readiness in North Kashmir, underscoring the strategic importance of the region bordering Anantnag and Ganderbal districts.
The Northern Command, in a statement on X, highlighted the operation’s success: “Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, #ArmyCdrNC compliments #ChinarCorps for their swift action and precise execution in neutralising three terrorists in the ongoing operation #Mahadev in the area #Lidwas. #IndianArmy stands by its commitment to keep #JammuKashmir terror-free.
