Centre cracks down on terror networks, declares Pakistan-based 23 JeM, LeT associates as terrorists
Mangalore Today News Network
New Delhi, July 4, 2026: Continuing its crackdown against cross-border terrorism, the Central Government has designated 23 individuals as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The designations have been made under Section 35 of the UAPA, 1967.
Union Home Ministry issued a gazette notification, stating that the individuals named as terrorists were associated with terror outfits including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and based in Pakistan.
According to the government, the said individuals were involved in terror-related activities including recruitment, training, funding, arms supply, and facilitating terror attacks.
Who Are The Individuals?
Masood Ilyas Kashmiri (JeM) – According to the Union Home Ministry, Kashmiri was involved in the 2022 Sunjwan Army camp attack. He was among Pakistan-based JeM handlers named in the NIA’s chargesheet for the Sunjwan conspiracy, which alleged the attack was planned to disrupt the Prime Minister’s visit to Jammu.
Mohammad Mussadiq (JeM) – Also linked by the Gazette to the 2022 Sunjwan attack. NIA investigations describe Pakistan-based JeM handlers as coordinating infiltration through a cross-border tunnel and directing the operation from Pakistan.
Mufti Muhammad Asghar Khan – According to NIA investigations, he was in regular contact with Kashmiri operatives who facilitated the 2016 Nagrota Army camp attack. He is described as a Pakistan-based JeM launching commander involved in directing infiltration into Jammu.
Hafiz Abdul Shakoor – NIA investigations identify “Qari Zarar" as another Pakistan-based JeM launching commander who allegedly communicated with local facilitators before the 2016 Nagrota attack.
Abdullah Jehadi – He facilitated JeM terrorists involved in the 2016 Nagrota attack and managed multiple JeM camps.
Firdous Ahmad Bhat (LeT) – He has been publicly described as a Lashkar-e-Taiba launching commander involved in infiltration and logistics.
Bilal Ahmad Mir (LeT/TRF) – Linked to both Lashkar-e-Taiba and The Resistance Front (TRF), he conspired to direct cross-border terrorist activities and arrange arms supplies into India.
The UAPA is an anti-terror law aimed at curbing unlawful activities associations in India. In August 2019, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act was passed, which expanded the Central Government’s powers to designate individuals as terrorists.
Zero-Tolerance To Terrorism
Time and again, India has voiced commitment to its zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism, dismantling terror ecosystems, decisive operations, and aggressive global diplomacy.
This year, the Central Government unveiled the country’s first comprehensive National Counter Terrorism Policy and Strategy, branded ‘PRAHAAR’, marking a significant shift towards its security doctrine.
Under ‘PRAHAAR’, it was declared that India had been “on the frontline of the fight against terrorism for decades" and that terrorism would not be subject to “any religion, caste, or nationality“. The framework underlined a structured national strategy to curb and respond to terror threats, while also reinforcing global cooperation and legal safeguards.