Srinagar: In a major counter-terror operation named ‘Op Mahadev’, three terrorists were gunned down in an encounter with security forces in the Harwan area near Dachigam National Park on Monday, the Indian Army confirmed.

The operation began following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of militants in the Mulnar region of Harwan. As security forces launched a search operation, gunshots were heard in the area, prompting the deployment of reinforcements.

“OP MAHADEV – Contact established in General Area Lidwas. Operation in progress,” the Army’s Chinar Corps posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Officials said that the combing operation was intensified after initial contact, with security forces surrounding the suspected location. Early reports indicated that two to three terrorists were hiding in the cordoned area before the encounter concluded with three being neutralized.

The operation is part of continued efforts to combat militancy in the Kashmir Valley. Further details are awaited as the search continues.