In a significant move against cross-border terrorism, the Central government has labeled 23 Pakistan-based individuals as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. This action targets the leadership, recruitment, financing, and operational networks of Pakistan-backed terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued notifications to include these individuals in the UAPA’s Fourth Schedule, granting the government authority to declare them as terrorists for engaging in terrorist activities.
The government’s decision is part of a broader strategy to disrupt the support infrastructure for terrorism from across the border. It focuses not only on proscribed organizations but also on individuals involved in recruitment, radicalization, financing, logistics, and infiltration of terrorists into India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. Among those designated as terrorists is Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, identified as a senior leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, who played a significant role in recruiting and training terrorists and facilitating their entry into India.
The list also includes Mohammad Mussadiq, described as a key JeM handler operating from Pakistan, responsible for supervising infiltration attempts and coordinating terrorist operations against India. Another designated individual is Mufti Muhammad Asghar Khan, alleged to have served as a launching commander for Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists entering Jammu and Kashmir, with authorities holding him accountable for planning infiltration routes and being linked to the 2016 Nagrota Army camp attack.
Authorities have also named Abdullah Jehadi, a JeM operative accused of managing terrorist training camps across the border and aiding the movement of militants into Jammu and Kashmir. The notifications further mention several members associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, including Firdous Ahmad Bhat and Haroon Rashid Ganai, who are implicated in facilitating terrorist activities against India. The government’s action underscores its commitment to dismantling terror networks and individuals supporting terrorism activities.
