Aga Syed Mehdi played an important role in local politics and religious matters in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly advocating for the rights and interests of the Shia population.

During the time of 1990's Kashmir insurgency, Shaheed Aga Syed Mehdi rescued many innocent youth from interrogation centers and army camps detained during crackdowns by Task Force and military.

[6][7][8][9][citation needed][10] On 3 November 2000, Aga Syed Mehdi was assassinated in a powerful IED blast on the way to Magam along with his three security personnel and two supporters at Kanihama-Magam road, Central Budgam.

The news of his assassination spread rapidly, the government of Jammu and Kashmir imposed curfew and section 144 crpc still hundreds and thousands joined his funeral including mainstream and majority of separatist leaders .

During his funeral Kashmiri pandit women of Budgam were heard crying "Bayo asi kus kari raech wain" meaning "Brother who will protect us now."