Intelligence agencies have raised alarms regarding the resurgence of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH), an organization closely associated with Al-Qaeda. Established by Zakir Rashid Bhat in July 2017 in Jammu and Kashmir, the group, led by Zakir Musa, aimed to conduct terrorist activities in the region but faced setbacks due to Indian security forces’ actions.
Zakir Musa, a former member of Hizbul Mujahideen, broke away to form AGuH with Al-Qaeda’s support. However, Musa was killed in a 2019 encounter in Tral, Jammu and Kashmir. After lying low following Musa’s death, AGuH decided in 2022 to assist Jaish-e-Mohammed in operations within India under Al-Qaeda’s guidance, avoiding direct actions in Jammu and Kashmir.
AGuH shifted its focus to orchestrating operations in other parts of India from Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the establishment of the Faridabad module comprising individuals inspired by AGuH and Jaish-e-Mohammed ideologies. Umar Nabi, responsible for a car bomb blast near the Red Fort in 2025, was influenced by AGuH’s beliefs and was supported by Mufti Irfan, associated with both AGuH and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
The outfit’s recent activities, including a series of planned attacks in Delhi and nearby regions by the Faridabad module, indicate a strategic revival. Intelligence reports suggest that AGuH, backed by the ISI, is being utilized to create homegrown modules in North India. The outfit has expanded its network to include members in North India, with plans to establish similar modules across the region.
Authorities have observed that AGuH’s operations are not directed from Pakistan, with dedicated operatives in Jammu and Kashmir and Nepal. Concerns have been raised about the outfit’s funding sources, suspected to involve cryptocurrency transactions. The Ministry of Home Affairs has extensively discussed AGuH’s plans, emphasizing the need to trace the funding channels for their operations.
Officials have noted increased communication between handlers in Nepal and Jammu and Kashmir with operatives in North India, hinting at a coordinated effort. AGuH aims to expand its presence in Jammu and Kashmir eventually but currently focuses on establishing modules in North India while maintaining a low profile in Jammu and Kashmir to avoid attracting attention.
