'Mighty Daggers': All About 4 Para, India's Most Fearless Strike Force That Executed Op Mahadev

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3 days ago

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4 Para is part of the Parachute Regiment (Para SF) and has been deployed in Kashmir on multiple high‑stakes missions, such as the 2016 surgical strikes across the LoC.
Operation Mahadev, that tracked down and eliminated three Pahalgam attackers was carried out by Indian Army's 4 Para (Special Forces) officers, defence sources have said. 'This operation was done by 4 Para (SF) officers. One officer and his buddy identified them, after which they were shot immediately," sources said.
What Is 4 Para (SP)?
The 4 Para SP is one of the Indian Army's elite Special Forces regiments. It specialises in counter-terrorism, surgical strikes, high-risk mountain and jungle operations. It is part of the Parachute Regiment (Para SF), nicknamed the 'Red Devils' and has been deployed in Kashmir on multiple high‑stakes missions, such as the 2016 surgical strikes across the LoC.
The nickname 'Red Devils' comes from their distinctive maroon berets (symbolising airborne forces) and their fierce reputation in combat. It is considered among the most lethal units in South Asia. Its operatives are handpicked, undergo one of the world's toughest probation regimens, and are trained for rapid deployment, deep infiltration, and surgical precision.
'Red Devils' is also historically associated with elite airborne units worldwide, including Britain's paratroopers — and the Indian 4 Para SF adopted it as a badge of honour due to similar elite status and operational ethos.
The 4 Para (SF) is often called 'Mighty Daggers', an unofficial nickname or call sign associated with 4 Para (Special Forces). 'Mighty Daggers' is often used within the regiment or in internal callsigns, social media tributes, or veterans' references to highlight their combat aggressiveness and sharp-strike capability.
The term symbolises their razor-sharp operational precision – 'striking fast and deep like a dagger."
What Operations Have 4 Para (SP) Carried Out?
4 Para is considered one of the most battle-hardened special forces units in India. From the 2016 surgical strikes to Operation Mahadev, 'Mighty Daggers" have carried out some of the most crucial anti-terror operations. Here's a look at some of these:
Surgical Strikes (2016)
Following the Uri terror attack, 4 Para led the cross-border surgical strike targeting terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Inserted at night, the commandos neutralised multiple targets and returned without casualties. Their role demonstrated India's new proactive doctrine against terrorism.
Kupwara Snow Encounter (April 2020)
In a rare and dangerous high-altitude mission, 4 Para commandos were heli-dropped into a snow-covered forest in Kupwara to intercept infiltrators. Despite one commando falling into a crevasse during landing, the team engaged five heavily armed terrorists in close-quarters combat, eliminating all of them. The operation showcased 4 Para's resilience in extreme conditions.
Operation Mahadev (July 2025)
Most recently, 4 Para played a central role in Operation Mahadev, targeting terrorists hiding in the Harwan forest near Dachigam National Park. The unit swiftly cordoned off the area and engaged in a fierce gunbattle, killing three terrorists, including the mastermind of the Pahalgam massacre. The precision strike in dense terrain underlined 4 Para's counter-terror excellence.
How 4 Para Came Into Being
The 4th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment traces its roots to World War II, originally raised as part of the British Indian Army in 1941. Initially trained as a conventional airborne infantry unit, the battalion participated in key operations during the Burma campaign.
In the 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan, 4 Para served as a para-infantry unit. Post-war experiences revealed a need for a specialized unconventional warfare force. In the 1980s, select battalions like 1, 9, and 10 Para began developing commando capabilities, focusing on counter-insurgency, hostage rescue, and deep-penetration raids.
In 2001, after Parliament attack and amid rising terror threats, 4 Para was formally converted into a full-fledged Special Forces (SF) unit. This marked its transition from parachute infantry to a Tier 1 special operations force.
4 Para underwent advanced training in Himachal Pradesh, Belgaum, and Nahan, including HALO jumps, jungle warfare, mountain ops, and urban CQB (close quarters battle).
The battalion has since operated in Jammu & Kashmir, the Northeast, and across the Line of Control, often under deep cover.
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