India's Government Declares 23 Individuals as Terrorists Under Zero Tolerance Policy
In a decisive action under its Zero Tolerance Policy, the Indian government has declared 23 individuals as terrorists, including 17 Pakistanis and 6 Indians. This move aims to dismantle terrorist networks and enhance national security. The designated individuals are linked to various terrorist organizations and have been involved in activities threatening India's safety. The government's commitment to eradicating terrorism is evident as it continues to take strong measures against those who pose a risk to the nation. Read on to discover the details of this significant announcement and the profiles of the declared terrorists.
| Jul 4, 2026, 14:36 IST
Government's Firm Stance Against Terrorism
In a significant move under the Modi administration's Zero Tolerance Policy towards terrorism, the Ministry of Home Affairs, guided by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has designated 23 more individuals as 'terrorists.' Amit Shah emphasized that the government is committed to dismantling every terrorist module to ensure the safety of India and its citizens.
Details of the Declaration
In a post on X, Amit Shah stated, "Advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of zero tolerance against terrorism, the Ministry has today declared 23 notorious terrorists linked to banned organizations as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These individuals are involved in anti-India activities, orchestrating terrorist attacks, promoting terrorism, smuggling weapons, infiltrating across borders, aiding terrorist organizations, raising funds, and recruiting terrorists." Among the 23 declared terrorists, 17 are Pakistani nationals, while 6 are Indian citizens, all currently conducting terrorist activities from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Impact of the Designation
This formal designation of these terrorists will not only disrupt their financial networks, recruitment capabilities, and terrorist-supporting activities but also serve as a strong deterrent against anti-national and terrorist activities. Furthermore, it will enhance the capacity of national and international law enforcement agencies to initiate coordinated legal, investigative, and preventive actions.
Historical Context
Since the amendment of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2019, a total of 57 individuals have been designated as terrorists under Section 35 of the Act. The latest 23 individuals declared today include Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, also known as Mufti Masood Ilyas, who is linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and is a key coordinator for infiltrations into Kashmir.
Profiles of Key Individuals
1. Masood Ilyas Kashmiri: A Pakistani national associated with JeM, he is a close aide of Maulana Masood Azhar and coordinates infiltrations into Kashmir. He actively recruits youth for terrorist groups via social media and was involved in an attack near the PDP office in Jammu in April 2022.
2. Mohammad Musadik: Also a Pakistani national linked to JeM, he serves as a launching commander in the Lasyani Kot sector, facilitating infiltration through tunnels and has been involved in sending arms and ammunition via drones.
3. Mufti Mohammad Asghar Khan: A Pakistani national and JeM leader in PoK, he was one of the main conspirators behind the terrorist attack on the Indian Army camp in Nagrota.
4. Hafiz Abdul Shakur: A Pakistani national associated with JeM and HuM, he facilitated the infiltration of three Pakistani terrorists for the Nagrota army camp attack.
5. Abdullah Jihadi: A Pakistani national linked to JeM, he has been involved in facilitating terrorist infiltrations in northern Kashmir and spreading anti-government sentiments.
6. Firdous Ahmed Bhat: An Indian national currently in Pakistan, he is a launching commander for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and manages safe routes for foreign terrorists across the LoC.
7. Ghulam Farid: A Pakistani national associated with JeM, he served in the Pakistani army from 2001 to 2005 and illegally entered India in 2008.
8. Haroon Rashid Ganai: An Indian national currently in Pakistan, he joined LeT in 2018 and has been involved in recruiting local youth for terrorist activities.
9. Bilal Ahmed Mir: An Indian national currently in Muzaffarabad, he is linked to LeT and TRF, inciting local youth for jihad.
10. Abid Kayoom Lone: An Indian national currently in PoK, he plans attacks on security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
11. Nazir Ahmed Gujjar: An Indian national currently in Islamabad, he has been involved in reviving terrorist activities in Doda and Kishtwar.
12. Abdul Rauf: A Pakistani national linked to LeT and JuD, he has been a senior leader since 1999.
13. Ashfaq Ahmed: A Pakistani national associated with JeM, he has been involved in various terrorist activities since 2000.
14. Hafiz Khalid Waleed: A Pakistani national linked to LeT and JuD, he was the mastermind behind the 2016 Pampore attack.
15. Maulana Imdadullah Makki: A Pakistani national associated with JeM, he is involved in coordinating attacks.
16. Maulana Saifullah Khalid: A Pakistani national linked to LeT, he has been involved in various organizational roles.
17. Mohammad Yaqub: A Pakistani national currently in Islamabad, he coordinates logistics for LeT operations.
18. Maulana Yusuf Taibi: A Pakistani national linked to LeT and JuD, he is a central leader in the organization.
19. Owais Farooz: An Indian national linked to LeT, he was involved in drug trafficking to fund terrorist activities.
20. Qari Yaqub Sheikh: A Pakistani national associated with PMML and JuD, he has been involved in fundraising for LeT.
21. Rana Iftikhar: A Pakistani national linked to LeT and JuD, he manages finances for terrorist operations.
22. Wasim Noor Jat: A Pakistani national associated with JeM, he has been involved in arms drops via drones.
23. Mohammad Shaheed Faisal: A Pakistani national with ties to LeT, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS, he has been involved in several terrorist plots.