Government Takes Major Action Against Terror Networks in Jammu and Kashmir

In a significant crackdown on terrorism, the Indian government has declared 23 individuals based in Pakistan as terrorists under the UAPA. This action aims to dismantle networks linked to notorious groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which are accused of orchestrating attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. The Ministry of Home Affairs has detailed the roles of these individuals in recruiting and training terrorists, as well as planning attacks. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to countering cross-border terrorism and ensuring security in the region. Read on to learn more about the profiles of these designated terrorists and the implications of this action.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 4, 2026, 10:58 IST

Significant Government Initiative Against Terrorism

In a decisive move to dismantle cross-border terrorist networks operating in Jammu and Kashmir, the central government has announced a significant step. On Saturday, July 4, 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an official gazette notification designating 23 criminals based in Pakistan as 'terrorists' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These individuals are reportedly affiliated with notorious organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and The Resistance Front (TRF).

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, these individuals are allegedly involved in recruiting terrorists, facilitating infiltration, providing training, supplying weapons via drones, and planning attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

Details of the Designated Terrorists

Among the 23 individuals, three are identified as close associates of Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, the founder of LeT. Additionally, three are reportedly linked to the 2016 terrorist attack on an army camp in Nagrota, while two are associated with the 2018 attack on the Sunjwan military station.

The Ministry has identified Hafiz Muhammad Saeed's close associates as Abdul Rauf, Hafiz Khalid Waleed, and Rana Iftikhar. The Ministry stated, "Rana Iftikhar, 54, coordinates among jihadist organizations, inciting youth to engage in terrorist activities and is a close associate of Hafiz Saeed. Abdul Rauf, 52, connected to LeT and Jamaat-ud-Dawa, is involved in planning and coordinating terrorist activities, fundraising, and is one of the main terrorists under Hafiz Muhammad Saeed's direct command."

Government's Vigilance on Terror Networks

This action by the government comes at a time when various security and investigative agencies are closely monitoring cross-border terrorist networks accused of using drones, encrypted communication platforms, and online recruitment channels to sustain militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

The notification lists a total of 23 individuals linked to various terrorist activities. According to the government, these individuals have been involved in recruiting terrorists, training, funding, supplying weapons, infiltration, and executing terrorist attacks.

Profiles of Key Terrorists

Masood Ilyas Kashmiri (JeM) is linked to the 2022 attack on the Sunjwan army camp.

Muhammad Musaddiq (JeM) is accused of coordinating infiltration and terrorist activities related to the Sunjwan attack. Mufti Muhammad Asgar Khan has been identified as a key operator in the infiltration network connected to the 2016 Nagrota army camp attack.

Hafiz Abdul Shakur is alleged to have maintained contact with local networks prior to the Nagrota attack and assisted in infiltration.

Abdullah Jihadi (Shah Nawaz/Al Hijama) is accused of aiding the terrorists involved in the Nagrota attack and running several JeM camps.

Firdous Ahmed Bhat (LeT) has been associated with infiltration and logistical support, recognized as a 'launching commander' for Lashkar.

Bilal Ahmed Mir, also known as Ahmed Bhai (LeT/TRF), is accused of plotting cross-border terrorist activities and supplying weapons for Lashkar and TRF.