Union Home Minister Amit Shah has approved the designation of 17 Pakistani nationals and six Indians as “terrorists” in line with the government’s ‘Zero Tolerance Policy’ against terrorism led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shah emphasized the government’s commitment to dismantling terror networks to safeguard India and its citizens. The designated individuals are involved in various anti-India activities such as carrying out terror attacks, arms trafficking, and aiding terrorist organizations.
In a statement on a social media platform, Shah reiterated the government’s stance on zero tolerance towards terrorism and announced the declaration of 23 terror functionaries associated with banned groups as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. These individuals, 17 of whom are Pakistani nationals and six are Indian nationals, are currently operating from Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, engaging in terrorist activities.
The formal designation of these individuals as terrorists aims to disrupt their financial networks, recruitment activities, and movements, thereby dismantling the terror ecosystem. This move is also intended to serve as a strong deterrent against anti-national and terrorist acts. The action is expected to bolster the capabilities of security and law enforcement agencies to take legal, investigative, and preventive measures at both national and international levels.
Following an amendment to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2019, a total of 57 individuals have been designated as ‘terrorists’ under Section 35 of the Act and listed in its Fourth Schedule. Among those designated is Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, a Pakistani national associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, known for his involvement in recruiting youth for terrorist groups and raising funds for terrorism activities.
