Jammu And Kashmir Police Attach ₹81 Lakh Property of PoK-Based Terror Handler In Rajouri

Jammu and Kashmir Police in Rajouri district have attached immovable property valued at ₹81 lakh belonging to Mohd Arshad, a terror handler operating from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), officials confirmed on Friday following Thursday's action.

Executed under Sections 87 and 88 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) alongside Sections 2 and 3 of the EIMCO Act, the seizure follows court orders tied to a 2011 case. The confiscated estate in Khablan village, Thanamandi tehsil, spans 2 Kanals and 14 Marlas across Khasra numbers 125, 128, and 160.

Arshad, originally from Khablan, reportedly crossed the Line of Control illegally roughly 15 years ago. This seizure forms part of a broader regional crackdown this year, during which authorities have attached assets worth crores of rupees belonging to 10 PoK-based terror handlers to dismantle local support ecosystems and curb anti-national activities.

In a separate security operation in north Kashmir on Thursday, Baramulla Police collaborated with security forces to apprehend a suspect and recover two hand grenades in the Baderkoot forest area of Tangmarg.

Identified as Ghulam Jeelani Reshi (also reported as Ghulam JeelReshi) of Baderkote, Tangmarg, the suspect was intercepted during an Area Domination Patrol (ADP) conducted jointly by Baramulla Police, CICT Frontier BSF (112/06 Battalion), the Army's 2 Rashtriya Rifles (2RR), and CRPF 176 Battalion.

Security personnel seized one hand grenade directly from the suspect's possession and subsequently uncovered a second concealed grenade inside the forest based on his disclosure.

Police Station Tangmarg has registered a First Information Report (FIR) to investigate the origin of the explosives, their intended purpose, and potential militant affiliations. Baramulla Police reiterated its commitment to maintaining regional peace and security whilst praising the coordinated efforts of all participating forces.

ANI

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Kulgam Terror Attack Leaves Three CRPF Personnel Injured After Gunmen Open Fire

Three personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were injured after terrorists opened fire on a security checkpoint in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Wednesday.

The attack took place at around 2:15 pm near Mir Bazar when armed assailants travelling on motorcycles targeted the CRPF deployment and opened fire before fleeing the area.

According to officials, the sudden assault triggered an immediate security response, with forces rushing to secure the location and launch a large-scale search operation to trace the attackers.

All three injured personnel were taken to a hospital in Anantnag district for urgent medical treatment.

One CRPF trooper sustained serious abdominal injuries and remains in critical condition. The two other personnel suffered less severe wounds, with one receiving a bullet graze to the arm and another sustaining a gunshot injury to the foot.

Visuals from the scene showed injured personnel being carried into hospital on stretchers as medical teams worked swiftly to provide emergency care.

Security measures were significantly strengthened across the area following the attack. Reinforcements were deployed, additional barricades were erected, and armoured vehicles were positioned near the targeted checkpoint as the search operation continued.

Residents in the vicinity were advised to remain indoors while security personnel conducted extensive checks. Ambulance sirens and public announcements were heard across the area during the heightened security operation.

The attack highlights the continuing security challenges in parts of the Kashmir Valley, where security forces remain on high alert against militant threats despite sustained counter-terror operations.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was in Kulgam on Wednesday. However, officials clarified that he was not near the site of the attack when the incident occurred.

Authorities are continuing efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the shooting.

PTI

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Pakistan Drone Drop Probe Uncovers Ready-To-Use Bomb Near Border, Terror Plot Suspected

What began as a suspected narcotics interception operation in Rajasthan's border region turned into the discovery of a major terror-linked consignment containing high-grade explosives, ready-to-use improvised explosive devices (IEDs), firearms and ammunition.

As per a NDTV report, investigators believe the material may have been intended for a terrorist attack during the festive season or ahead of elections in Punjab, although the intended target has not yet been identified.

The Rajasthan Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), which has frequently dealt with drone-based smuggling attempts along the India-Pakistan border, was tracking what was initially believed to be another cross-border drug consignment in the Sri Ganganagar sector.

Instead, security personnel uncovered a cache of explosives, weapons and remote-detonation equipment that has triggered a multi-agency counter-terror investigation.

According to investigators, three drones reportedly launched from locations between five and 10 kilometres inside Pakistan crossed into Indian airspace during the intervening night of 12 and 13 October. The drones dropped multiple packets in a field near village 12 KD in the Raola area of Sri Ganganagar district, roughly five kilometres from the international border.

Acting on intelligence inputs, ANTF personnel maintained surveillance around the drop zone and intercepted two young men who arrived under the cover of darkness to collect the packages. Both suspects are approximately 19 years old.

The recovered consignment contained three packets carrying a total of 7.75 kg of RDX, sophisticated IEDs, a timer device, detonation circuits, remote-explosion equipment, batteries, two Turkish-made Zigana pistols and 867 cartridges.

ANTF Inspector General Vikas Kumar stated that the devices were effectively complete bombs that only required final circuit connections before use. The explosives were reportedly packed with shrapnel, significantly increasing their destructive potential.

The devices were considered dangerous enough for a specialised bomb disposal squad to be deployed to neutralise them safely. Subsequent reports indicate that explosive material and detonators recovered during the operation were destroyed through a controlled disposal process.

Investigators also found evidence of sophisticated concealment methods. The RDX was packed inside airtight, multi-layered compartments and cushioned with tubes to minimise damage during the drone drop while also making detection more difficult.

The two arrested suspects have been identified as Lakhwinder from Ferozepur and his cousin Sukhwinder from Jalandhar in Punjab.

Investigators allege that the pair are also wanted in connection with a grenade attack on the Jalalabad police station in Punjab's Fazilka district on 13 September 2026. The accused have reportedly told investigators that they were acting on instructions from a relative identified only as RS, who allegedly directed them to retrieve the cross-border consignment.

For more than a month, the two men had reportedly been working at a farm near village 12 KD. Investigators believe they posed as agricultural labourers while monitoring the movements of BSF personnel and other security agencies operating near the border.

Sources indicate the pair may not have known the ultimate destination of the explosives and weapons. Investigators suspect they were being used as couriers within a compartmentalised network designed to conceal the identities of senior operatives and end users.

The suspects had allegedly received basic firearms training and were reportedly instructed to use weapons if required during the operation.

During questioning, the accused reportedly disclosed contact with three Pakistan-based individuals identified as Umar Chacha, Dungar Chacha and Shah Pathan. Investigators believe communications were conducted through social media platforms and conference calls.

Authorities are continuing efforts to identify and locate the Punjab-based handler known as RS, who is believed to be related to both arrested men and may have played a key role in coordinating the operation. Security agencies are also attempting to determine whether the consignment was intended for use in Rajasthan or was destined for another state. At present, investigators say the arrested men did not know the final destination or intended target.

The seizure comes amid growing concerns over the use of drones for cross-border smuggling of narcotics, weapons and explosives along India's western frontier. Security agencies have recorded multiple drone-linked interdictions in Rajasthan in recent years, prompting expanded surveillance and anti-drone measures.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Rajasthan Police's anti-terror task force have now joined the investigation. Authorities are examining the origin, intended destination and wider network behind the operation, while the accused have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Arms Act and the Explosive Substances Act, among other provisions.

Agencies

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Top Lashkar-e-Taiba Terrorist Among Four Infiltrators Killed In LoC Minefield Blast In Poonch

Four Pakistani terrorists, including a senior Lashkar-e-Taiba commander identified as Muhammad Faizan, were killed during an attempted cross-border infiltration along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.

The incident took place in the Krishna Ghati (KG) Sector, one of the most sensitive stretches along the LoC, where security forces maintain a robust anti-infiltration grid to prevent unauthorised crossings.

According to official information, the group was attempting to enter Indian territory from across the LoC when it inadvertently triggered a landmine concealed within a heavily fortified forward area. The resulting explosion was powerful and fatal. All four infiltrators were killed at the scene before they could penetrate the security network deployed along the border.

The deceased were identified as Muhammad Faizan, Muhammad Ishtiaq, Muhammad Waqas and Muhammad Asim. Authorities stated that all four individuals were residents of Hajira tehsil in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Muhammad Faizan was reported to be a senior Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, making his death a significant setback for the terrorist organisation's cross-border infiltration apparatus.

The failed infiltration attempt occurred in the Nangi Takri and Satwal-Naki belt of the KG Sector, an area that has historically been regarded as a frequently used route for infiltration attempts. The terrain in this region is characterised by rugged hills, dense vegetation, steep gradients and difficult approaches, factors that have traditionally been exploited by infiltrating groups seeking to evade detection. However, the same area is also heavily protected through multiple layers of security measures.

These include surveillance systems, patrol deployments, ambush positions, physical obstacles and extensive minefields designed to deter and disrupt infiltration attempts. Investigators believe the group entered or approached a mined stretch forming part of the anti-infiltration obstacle system maintained in the forward zone.

The landmine detonated during their movement, immediately exposing and neutralising the infiltration attempt. The blast effectively foiled what security officials described as a significant cross-border intrusion bid.

As a result, the infiltrators were unable to advance further into Indian territory. Security agencies subsequently intensified monitoring throughout the sector. Additional vigilance measures were implemented along the LoC to ensure that no accompanying groups or secondary infiltration teams were operating in the vicinity. Border surveillance assets were reportedly placed on heightened alert following the explosion. The incident once again highlighted the critical role played by minefields and layered security arrangements in countering infiltration attempts originating from across the LoC.

Forward areas in the Poonch sector remain among the most closely monitored regions due to their long history of infiltration activity. The KG Sector, in particular, has witnessed repeated attempts by terrorist groups to exploit difficult terrain and traditional crossing routes.

For this reason, security forces continue to maintain extensive defensive infrastructure throughout the area. Minefields remain an important component of this broader defence posture. Such obstacles are intended to slow, expose and prevent infiltrators from crossing into Indian territory. Officials noted that groups attempting to traverse these dangerous stretches face substantial risks, especially when moving through unfamiliar or heavily fortified zones.

The deaths of the four infiltrators underscore the hazards associated with attempting to breach the anti-infiltration grid along the LoC. The elimination of Muhammad Faizan is considered especially notable because of his reported position within Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Security analysts often view the removal of experienced commanders as disruptive to planning, coordination and operational capabilities within terrorist networks. The incident also reflects the continuing challenge posed by infiltration attempts along the Line of Control despite extensive counter-infiltration measures.

Poonch district remains strategically important due to its location along the LoC and the presence of several routes historically associated with cross-border movement. In recent years, security forces have continuously strengthened surveillance and border management systems across the region. The latest incident demonstrates how those measures continue to act as a significant barrier against terrorist infiltration efforts.

While further operational details may emerge as investigations continue, the immediate outcome remains clear. Four Pakistani terrorists, including top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Muhammad Faizan, were killed in a landmine explosion while attempting to infiltrate across the Line of Control in the KG Sector of Poonch.

All four infiltrators were residents of Hajira tehsil in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Their deaths brought the infiltration attempt to an abrupt end and prevented a potentially serious cross-border security breach.

Agencies

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Why Pakistan will Escape FATF Grey-Listing

by Nilesh Kunwar

Dubious Claim

In his UNGA address last month, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted that "Had these terrorists (in Pakistan) not been encountered by us, they would have been roaming on the streets of New York and London and God knows, the Far East." He also attempted to portray Islamabad as a global “bulwark” against terrorism.

It appears that Sharif was well aware that his claims of waging a war against terror in all its forms and manifestations would find no takers. Why else would he have placed a cheering team in the gallery for repeatedly interrupting his uninspiring statements by its continuous applause in response to hand signals given by Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar?

Anti Grey-Listing Ploys

However, Sharif wouldn’t have been unduly upset as this message was for the international money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog, Financial Action Task Force (FATF). With its next Plenary and Working Group meetings scheduled from October 26 to 30th, Islamabad is (like always) busy putting up appearances and cleaning up its backyard to escape being ‘grey-listed’.

To impress FATF, Pakistan has recently increased the bounty for any information leading to the arrest of UN designated global terrorist Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar from PKR 2 million to PKR 7 million. It has also ordered the ‘snakes’ in its backyard to go into temporary hibernation thereby creating an illusion that Pakistan has no truck with terrorists.

Pakistan may have suffered the ignominy of being grey-listed by FATF for four years (2018-2022) but perturbed because it has mastered the art of eating the cake and having it too by playing the terror-victim card. And the icing on the cake is that Islamabad is currently in the good books of the very same extremely influential benefactor it had annoyed in 2018.

Readers would recollect President Trump’s 2018 curt New Year tweet accusing Pakistan of giving the US “nothing but lies and deceit,” and providing “safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan.” Pakistan was put in the Grey-List the same year couldn’t be a mere coincidence.

But the situation today has completely changed. As Sharif never tires of heaping praise on Trump, he considers the Pakistani Prime Minister to be a “terrific man.” And by acting as a faithful page as well as making sweet deals with Washington, Pakistan’s de facto ruler Field Marshal Asim Munir has become the US President’s “favourite field marshal.”

Washington exercises extraordinary influence over FATF member states- a fact endorsed by the 2020 revelation of the then Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s that Islamabad had approached Washington to help it exit the FATF Grey-list. And it’s no secret that US influence did help Pakistan in getting out of the Grey-list in 2022.

While it’s not yet clear whether Islamabad has hired lobbying firms for this purpose but given its past history of doing so during pre and post Operation Sindoor period ( when it spent a whopping $600,000 a month before Operation Sindoor), as revealed by mandatory disclosures by these firms, soliciting services for lobbying firms to influence US lawmakers in backing Pakistan’s bid to protect itself from FATF grey-listing wouldn’t come as a surprise.

Another reason why Islamabad’s is likely to escape Grey-listing is the FATF’s perfunctory approach to terrorism financing. An example- its official website mentions that “The FATF notes with grave concern and condemns the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025,” and accepts that “This, and other recent attacks, could not occur without money and the means to move funds between terrorist supporters.” However, by failing to name Pakistan despite irrefutable evidence of its involvement, FATF has only further emboldened Rawalpindi.

Repercussions For India

Thanks to a political and internal security crisis exacerbated by Field Munir’s over-obsession with using brute force to subdue dissent, Pakistan is on the brink, and if its harried population isn’t provided a suitable diversion, the situation can well take a very ugly turn.

So, in order to placate public anger and conceal his own army’s failure to restore normalcy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, Field Marshal Munir has conveniently made his people believe that Kabul and New Delhi are sponsoring TTP and armed Baloch groups respectively. And to live up to his "Allah has made me the guardian of this nation” claim, he has assured Pakistanis that the Pakistan army will not spare terrorists or their “facilitators”.

By dubbing armed groups of Baloch freedom fighters as Fitna-al-Hindustan (Pak's designate of rebel and separatist groups operating within Balochistan, alleging that they are proxies backed by India), 

Munir may have successfully exploited the significant anti-India sentiment in Pakistan. However, the people are now asking that if New Delhi is indeed Fitna-al-Hindustan’s “facilitator,” then why is the Pakistan army not targeting India?

Most importantly, Pakistanis would like to know that when Sharif claims that the Pakistani armed forces “silenced the enemy (India), repulsed its attack and taught it a lesson it shall never, ever forget” during Operation Sindoor / Bunyan-un-Marsoos, then why not teach it a similar lesson as punitive action for sponsoring armed Baloch groups?

India’s Response

If Pakistan army’s proxy war in J&K is currently at a low key, it’s just because of FATF’s Plenary and Working Group meetings scheduled later this month. Once it’s over, and Pakistan is not Grey-listed, one can expect a surge in Pakistan sponsored terrorist activities as being in a desperate situation, Pakistan’s ‘failed’ marshal has to do something across the Line of Control to save face. Therefore it would be puerile to place too much hope on FATF. This winter in J&K is likely to be hot.

By stating in his UNGA address that “our right to defend ourselves against terrorism will be exercised” and that “friendship and goodwill cannot co-exist with terrorism,” as well as the caveat that “it is for the perpetrator of terrorism to mend its ways,” Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has sent out an unambiguous message to Pakistan.

New Delhi therefore needs to explore using a wide range of effective deterrents against any misadventure orchestrated by the Pakistan army and its proxies. These actions should not only be restricted to retributory kinetic operations but also include economic, political and diplomatic measures to enhance its impact, because the harsh reality is that come what may, Rawalpindi will never mend its ways.

Nilesh Kunwar is a retired Indian Army Officer who has served in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. He is a keen ‘Kashmir-Watcher,’ and after retirement is pursuing his favourite hobby of writing for newspapers, journals and think-tanks. Views expressed above are the author's own

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Former Pakistan Army SSG Commando Hashim Moosa Identified As LeT Operative Killed In Budgam Encounter

Security forces have identified the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist killed during Operation KORAG in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district as Mohammad Asif, alias Hashim Moosa, a former Pakistan Army Havildar with an extensive background in special operations, counter-insurgency warfare and VIP protection duties.

According to security sources, Asif was born on 7 March 1980 and joined the Pakistan Army in 2000 under service number PA-3106947. He later rose to the rank of Havildar before retiring from military service in 2023.

His military career reportedly took a significant turn in 2005 when he was inducted into the Pakistan Army's elite Special Services Group (SSG). He subsequently served with the 4 Commando "Yalgar" Battalion, one of the country's specialist special operations formations.

From 2006 onwards, he was deployed in Balochistan, where he allegedly participated in approximately 10 counter-insurgency operations against Baloch separatist groups. Sources claim he was credited with 13 personal kills during those deployments.

Between 2006 and 2009, Asif was also attached to the VVIP security detail of former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, highlighting the level of trust and specialised training he had received during his military career.

Documents examined by security agencies, including a Pakistani Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) issued on 12 September 2020, reportedly helped establish his identity and military background.

Officials stated that his service record reflected experience in counter-insurgency operations, United Nations deployments, VVIP security assignments and advanced weapons training.

Indian security agencies believe that following his retirement from the Pakistan Army in 2023, Asif was integrated into Lashkar-e-Taiba's operational structure and subsequently infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir.

His death was confirmed by the Army's Srinagar-based Chinar Corps after troops recovered his body along with war-like stores during a search operation in the Palmaidan area of Budgam district.

The operation began after intelligence inputs indicated the presence of terrorists in the Yousmarg region. Security forces launched a joint search mission, during which troops observed suspicious movement.

When challenged, the terrorists opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. During the encounter, Hashim Moosa was neutralised. Search operations in the area continued afterwards to determine whether additional terrorists remained present.

Hashim Moosa had emerged as one of the most wanted foreign terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir. Security agencies had linked him to a series of attacks across the Union Territory and viewed him as a highly trained operative because of his special forces background.

He was also among the key suspects in the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists, one of the deadliest civilian attacks in Kashmir in recent years.

Following that attack, Jammu and Kashmir Police announced a reward of ₹20 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Pakistani nationals and LeT operatives Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai and Hashim Moosa.

Investigators had long suspected that Moosa's specialised military training enabled him to conduct complex operations and survive prolonged counter-terrorism manhunts in difficult terrain.

The National Investigation Agency's 1,597-page chargesheet in the Pahalgam attack case named seven accused and detailed the alleged involvement of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and its proxy outfit, The Resistance Front (TRF), both designated terrorist organisations.

The chargesheet also named Pakistani handler Sajid Jatt and described what investigators characterised as a broader cross-border conspiracy to plan, facilitate and execute the attack.

The elimination of Hashim Moosa is therefore being viewed as a significant operational success for Indian security forces, not only because of his alleged role in the Pahalgam massacre but also because of the rare combination of conventional military, special forces and terrorist experience he is believed to have possessed.

ANI

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Two Terrorists Gunned Down In Udhampur Encounter, Search Operations Continue

At least two terrorists were neutralised in a fierce encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district late on Wednesday evening.

The incident unfolded after suspicious movement was reported from Majalta, prompting joint forces to launch a cordon and search operation. Contact was soon established with the terrorists, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

Officials confirmed that during the ensuing gunfight, two terrorists were killed. The operation remains ongoing in the area, with the exact identity of the slain terrorists yet to be ascertained. Security forces continue to maintain a strong presence to ensure no further infiltration or escape attempts.

The operation was initially spearheaded by the Jammu and Kashmir Police along with special Para troopers of the Indian Army. Reinforcements were rushed to the site immediately after the encounter began, strengthening the cordon and intensifying the search grid.

A joint team comprising the Indian Army, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police is conducting extensive searches in the region. Sniffer dogs and aerial surveillance are being deployed to sanitise the area and track any remaining terrorists.

This encounter comes amid heightened security activity in the Pir Panjal region. Recently, Rajouri Police arrested three individuals linked to an alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba overground worker network. The accused, identified as Zakir Hussain, Mohd Azam, and Mohd Mushtaq, were apprehended on 15 September in connection with a terror module operating in the area.

Security forces have placed the Udhampur-Reasi range under high alert, with vehicle checking and tight cordons enforced across strategic routes. The hilly districts of Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Kathua, Poonch, and Rajouri remain under special focus due to reported movements of hardcore Pakistani terrorists in these inaccessible terrains.

Anti-terror operations in the region have been ongoing for more than six months. These sustained efforts have led to the neutralisation of several top terrorists.

The broader advantage of such operations lies in keeping militants constantly on the run, preventing them from establishing a foothold to plan or execute attacks against security forces, the Army, or civilians.

Agencies

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Pakistan’s Hollow Bid To Evade FATF Grey List By Naming Masood Azhar In Most Wanted Roster

Pakistan’s Federal Investigative Agency has released its updated Red Book of most wanted terrorists for 2026, prominently featuring Jaish-e-Mohammed Chief Masood Azhar.

The bounty on Azhar has been increased by ₹70 Lakh, up from the earlier ₹50 Lakh announced in 2021. This move is widely viewed as a smokescreen designed to appease the Financial Action Task Force ahead of its October plenary, as Pakistan attempts to avoid being placed back on the grey list.

In 2021, Pakistan began claiming that Azhar had fled to Afghanistan, even as it placed a ₹50 Lakh reward on him. Five years later, the bounty has been raised, but Indian intelligence assessments over the past six months confirm that Azhar is actively hiding in Nawabshah city in Sindh province. He remains the mastermind behind several terror strikes in India, including the Pulwama attack.

The FIA’s updated Red Book also includes 19 terrorists linked to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. These individuals were involved in assisting, financing, or managing boats for the attackers. Seventeen of them are listed with photographs and specific roles, but Pakistan has covertly removed the photographs, Lashkar-e-Taiba affiliations, and operational details of two terrorists, retaining only their names.

Muhammad Khan from Turbat, who provided the boat Al-Hussaini, and Abdul Rehman from Bahawalnagar, had their full roles and photos published in the 2021 list, but these details have now been excised.

The roster names 11 LeT operatives responsible for facilitating the sea voyage of the attackers aboard Al-Hussaini and Al-Fauz. These include Muhammad Amjad Khan from Multan, Shahid Gafoor from Bahawalpur, Mohammad Usman from Sahiwal, Ateeq-ur-Rehman from Lahore, Riaz Ahmad from Hafizabad, Muhammad Mushtaq from Gujranwala, Muhammad Naeem from Dera Ghazi Khan, Abdul Shakoor from Karachi, Muhammad Sabir Salfi from Multan, Muhammad Usman from Lodhran, and Shakeel Ahmed from Rahim Yar Khan.

Six terrorists who provided financial backing for the 26/11 attacks are also listed. Muhammad Iftikhar Ali from Faisalabad spent ₹0.70 Lakh to set up VOIP connections enabling communication between attackers and handlers. Mohammad Zia from Rawalpindi contributed ₹0.80 Lakh. Mohammad Abbas Nasir from Khanewal gave ₹2.53 Lakh. Javed Iqbal from Kasur supplied ₹1.86 Lakh. Mukhtar Ahmad from Mandi Bahauddin donated ₹2.98 Lakh. Ahmed Saeed from Battagram provided ₹21 Lakh for the operation. According to the FIA, all 17 terrorists involved in the 26/11 attacks have been absconding for 18 years, though Indian intelligence sources confirm they remain inside Pakistan. Their inclusion in the list is seen as eyewash to misdirect international scrutiny.

Over the past five years, the total count of most wanted terrorists in Pakistan has surged by 35%, rising from 1,330 in 2021 to 1,804 in the latest release. This increase underscores the scale of Pakistan’s internal and cross-border terror infrastructure.

The Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters in Bahawalpur, known as Markaz Subhan Allah, was among the hardest hit in India’s precision strikes under Operation Sindoor. Located 100 km inside Pakistan, the facility was destroyed by the Indian Armed Forces. Operational since 2015, Markaz Subhan Allah served as the main centre for JeM training and indoctrination, and functioned as its operational headquarters. It was directly associated with terrorist planning, including the Pulwama attack of February 14, 2019.

The Markaz housed the residences of Masood Azhar, de facto JeM Chief Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar, Maulana Ammar, and other family members. Azhar frequently addressed gatherings from this facility, delivering anti-India rhetoric and urging youth to join jihad. JeM conducted regular arms, physical, and religious training for its cadres at this centre, reinforcing its role as a hub of militant activity.

ANI

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Hafiz Saeed Evades Arrest In Pakistan As Jammu Court Issues Second Non-Bailable Warrant

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has informed the Special Court in Jammu that Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed, India’s most-wanted terrorist, is currently in Pakistan and deliberately evading arrest.

Acting on the agency’s application, the court has issued a second non-bailable warrant (NBW) against him within two months, intensifying India’s legal pursuit of the Pakistan-based militant leader.

The NIA sought the warrant under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), describing Saeed, a resident of Sargodha in Punjab, Pakistan, as an absconding accused in a case linked to the arrest of Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat earlier this year.

Bhat was apprehended during a routine check at Pandach on the outskirts of Srinagar, where authorities recovered a China-made grenade and 15 live rounds from his possession.

Bhat, a resident of Batpora, was booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act, and the Explosive Substances Act at Zakoora Police Station. His arrest triggered a wider investigation that led to the dismantling of a terror network. Several more terrorists associated with LeT and its offshoot, The Resistance Front (TRF), were arrested, along with two Pakistani nationals.

The NIA stated that Saeed’s involvement surfaced during this investigation, with arrested Pakistani terrorists allegedly linked directly to him. According to the agency, Saeed has been operating from Pakistan, providing weapons, funds, and strategic directions to terrorists active in the Kashmir Valley. The agency emphasised that he is deliberately evading arrest to escape the clutches of law.

On 8 September, Special Judge Prem Sagar, presiding under the NIA Act, observed that Saeed’s role had emerged during the investigation and that he was allegedly involved in terrorism.

The court noted that Saeed remained at large and that the investigating agency had failed to secure his attendance through ordinary means. Consequently, a general non-bailable warrant was issued against him.

This latest warrant marks the second time in two months that the Special NIA Court in Jammu has acted against Saeed. On 8 July, the court had issued the first NBW in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack of April 2025, in which Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 25 tourists and a local pony operator. 

That attack, carried out at the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, remains one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years.

The issuance of consecutive warrants underscores India’s determination to hold Hafiz Saeed accountable for orchestrating cross-border terrorism. Saeed, already designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations and sanctioned internationally for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, continues to operate freely from Pakistan despite mounting evidence of his involvement in terror activities.

His evasion of arrest highlights Pakistan’s unwillingness to act against him, further strengthening India’s case in global forums about Islamabad’s complicity in sponsoring terrorism.

The NIA continues to pursue the broader conspiracy, focusing on identifying additional handlers, financiers, and facilitators linked to Saeed and his networks.

The agency’s efforts form part of India’s wider counter-terror strategy, which includes freezing assets, designating individuals under UAPA, and seeking international cooperation to isolate Pakistan-based terror organisations.

PTI

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NIA Raids Ten Jammu And Kashmir Locations In Lashkar Cross-Border Terror Conspiracy

The National Investigation Agency carried out extensive raids at ten different locations in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday in connection with a cross-border terror conspiracy involving Pakistan-based handlers of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba and their alleged network of local Over Ground Workers.

The searches were conducted in Kupwara, Kulgam, Bandipora, Baramulla and Sopore. The objective was to unearth further evidence relating to the conspiracy and to ascertain the roles of individuals suspected of providing logistical and other support to infiltrated terrorists.

According to the agency’s statement, incriminating material relevant to the case was seized and secured during the raids. This material is now being examined and corroborated with other evidence already collected in the ongoing investigation.

The case originated with the arrest of an Over Ground Worker associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba on the night of 31 March 2026 at a naka point. A hand grenade and live ammunition were recovered from his possession, which triggered the investigation.

Subsequent inquiries led to the arrest of Pakistani nationals linked to the conspiracy. These developments revealed the identities and suspected roles of members of the local support network.

Investigations so far have established clear linkages between Pakistan-based Lashkar handlers and their local associates. These individuals were allegedly used for communication, movement and concealment of infiltrated terrorists. They were also involved in providing shelter, conducting reconnaissance and offering other logistical facilitation.

The NIA is examining the financial trail, communication channels, movement of the accused, and the source and supply chain of arms and explosives. The aim is to establish the complete network and uncover the full extent of its activities.

The searches conducted today form part of the agency’s continuing investigation into the larger conspiracy and the support mechanism facilitating cross-border terrorism.

The NIA has emphasised that its investigation remains ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying all persons involved in the conspiracy and establishing their respective roles.

PTI

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Pakistani Lashkar Terrorist Yasir Killed In Yousmarg Gunfight

A Pakistani Lashkar‑e‑Taiba commander, identified as Yasir, was killed in an encounter with joint security forces in the upper reaches of Yousmarg in central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Saturday. 

Sources confirmed that the gunfight broke out after joint forces launched an intelligence‑based search operation in the area following inputs about the presence of terrorists.

The operation was carried out jointly by Special Forces and 53 Rashtriya Rifles, who engaged in an exchange of fire with the terrorists. Yasir was part of the larger Sulaiman Musa group of Lashkar‑e‑Taiba but had split from the faction nearly a year ago.

Since then, he had been operating independently, and security agencies had been tracking his movements in the Yousmarg area for a brief period.

Officials revealed that Yasir had emerged as a key Lashkar operative in the region after separating from the Musa group. His presence in the higher reaches of Yousmarg prompted security forces to launch the search operation, which culminated in the encounter. His elimination is seen as a significant development in the ongoing counter‑terror campaign.

The encounter in Yousmarg comes amid intensified counter‑terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir. Following Yasir’s death, agencies are probing his network, his links with other Lashkar‑e‑Taiba operatives, and the extent of his activities in the region. Investigators are also examining whether he played any role in planning, facilitating, or supporting recent terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

Yasir’s association with the Sulaiman Musa group adds further context to his profile. Sulaiman Musa, also known as Hashim Moosa, was one of the masterminds behind the 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

A few months after the attack, Indian security forces gunned Moosa down in an encounter in the Dachigam forest area of Srinagar. Yasir’s split from Musa’s faction and his independent operations highlight the evolving dynamics within Lashkar‑e‑Taiba’s command structure.

Security analysts believe that Yasir’s killing may disrupt Lashkar’s local networks, though agencies remain cautious about the possibility of successor operatives filling the vacuum.

The incident underscores the continuing challenges posed by Pakistan‑based terror outfits and the sustained efforts of Indian forces to neutralise their operatives inside Jammu and Kashmir.

Agencies

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Eight Overground Workers of Terrorists Arrested In Kashmir Operations

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have arrested eight suspected overground workers of terrorists in three separate operations. The arrests were made in Shopian and Pulwama districts, and officials confirmed the recovery of grenades, ammunition, and other incriminating material.

In Shopian district, police and Army personnel launched a joint search operation in an orchard at Imamsahib after receiving a tip-off. During the operation, they recovered a grenade, two AK magazines, four mobile phones, and posters of a banned terror outfit from the orchard belonging to Nazir Ahmad Wani.

Three suspected overground workers, identified as Ashiq Hussain Kumar, Arif Kumar, and Harris Manzoor, were arrested in connection with the case.

In another operation in Shopian late on Monday night, security forces detained three motorcycle-borne individuals. Their search led to the recovery of two hand grenades and other incriminating material allegedly linked to the Hizbul Mujahideen terror outfit. The three arrested men were identified as Junaid Ahmad Dar, Amir Yousuf, and Junaid Muzaffar.

Separately, two suspected terrorist associates were arrested from a forest area in Pulwama district. Acting on security inputs, police, Army, and CRPF personnel launched a Cordon and Search Operation in the Yarwan forest area of CB Nath in Rajpora.

During the operation, security personnel noticed two individuals emerging from the forest towards CB Nath village in a suspicious manner and apprehended them.

The two were identified as Latif Ahmad Deedad and Aejaz Ahmad Bajad. A pistol, 12 rounds of ammunition, and a hand grenade were recovered from their possession.

A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Investigators are probing the activities of the accused, the source of the recovered weapons and ammunition, and their possible links to wider terror networks. Officials emphasised that these arrests highlight the continuing efforts of security forces to dismantle support structures of terrorist organisations in the Valley.

PTI

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India Rejects Pakistan’s 'Frustration' Over US Envoy’s Remarks on J&K, Reaffirms J&K as India’s Indivisible Part of India

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday dismissed Pakistan’s reaction to US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, describing Islamabad’s move as “frustration”.

The MEA spokesperson Jaiswal, during the bi-weekly press briefing in New Delhi, reiterated that Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh are integral and indivisible parts of India.

He emphasised that they were, they are, and they will remain so. He added that there was no reason to comment further on Pakistan’s protest.

Pakistan had summoned the US Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad on Wednesday to lodge a protest against Gor’s statement. Islamabad claimed that his remarks were factually incorrect and contradicted Washington’s longstanding position on Kashmir.

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry insisted that Jammu and Kashmir’s status was still awaiting final disposition under relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah responded on Thursday, saying that the summoning of a US diplomat by Islamabad was an issue strictly between Pakistan and the United States. He did not see it as a matter requiring India’s involvement.

Sergio Gor, during his visit to Srinagar, described Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India. 

This was his first standalone visit to the Union Territory since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the Pakistan-backed terror attack in Pahalgam in 2025.

His remarks carried weight as they came during a meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, which he described as very good and cordial, with follow-up discussions planned in Washington and New Delhi.

Gor commended the security efforts undertaken by the Union Territory administration and the Centre to make Jammu and Kashmir safer. He signalled a possible shift in Washington’s stance by suggesting that the United States may re-evaluate its travel advisory for the region. Currently, the US has a Level 4 “do not travel” advisory in place for Jammu and Kashmir.

The envoy said that incredible steps had been taken to improve safety in the region. He explained that the United States periodically reviews its travel warnings and that while he could not make any major announcements immediately, the advisory for Jammu and Kashmir would be looked at closely. He noted that the Government of India and the local administration had made significant progress in ensuring security.

Gor added that Jammu and Kashmir was a beautiful area with immense potential for tourism. He expressed hope that many Americans would enjoy visiting the region to experience its beauty and opportunities. He stressed that the US would consider whether the current travel warning should be downgraded, reflecting the improved security situation.

The MEA’s firm dismissal of Pakistan’s protest underscored India’s consistent position that Jammu and Kashmir, including Ladakh, are inseparable parts of the country. The episode highlighted the growing diplomatic engagement between India and the United States, while Pakistan’s objections were brushed aside as irrelevant by New Delhi.

ANI

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'J&K’s Problems Are To Be Resolved By Delhi, Not Washington Or Any Other Foreign Power': Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has firmly stated that Jammu and Kashmir’s problems must be resolved by New Delhi, not Washington, ahead of US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s maiden visit to the Union Territory.

While Gor’s remarks describing J&K as an “important part of India” have drawn praise in India and protest in Pakistan, Abdullah emphasised that foreign governments have no jurisdiction over local issues.

Omar Abdullah clarified that he would meet Ambassador Sergio Gor to discuss the situation in Jammu and Kashmir but would not seek solutions from a foreign envoy. He stressed that it would be wrong for him to take complaints to another country’s ambassador, reiterating that governance in the Union Territory is strictly a matter for India’s central government.

Sergio Gor, who is also the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, arrived in Srinagar on his first standalone visit to Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the Pakistan-backed Pahalgam terror attack in 2025.

His visit marks the first by a serving US ambassador to the Valley in seven years, underscoring Washington’s renewed engagement with the region.

During his meeting with Omar Abdullah, Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” and praised its beauty and improved security. He hinted that Washington may reconsider its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for the Union Territory, a warning long criticised for damaging tourism and projecting instability. Gor said the US regularly re-evaluates its travel warnings and would examine whether the current advisory should be downgraded.

Abdullah acknowledged the envoy’s interest but downplayed the significance of the visit, noting that “Washington won’t solve Kashmir’s problems.” He emphasised that discussions with Gor focused on widening and deepening ties in tourism, horticulture, and the new economy, while firmly maintaining that regional matters remain internal to India.

The meeting was described as warm and cordial, with Gor posting on X that he appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Abdullah’s priorities. He confirmed that talks centred on deepening economic collaboration and creating mutually beneficial opportunities.

Abdullah also posted on X, expressing appreciation for the engagement and eagerness to continue dialogue on economic cooperation.

Gor’s itinerary includes meetings with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and a trip to Ladakh. His dual role as US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asia adds weight to the visit, particularly since the US has not appointed an ambassador to Pakistan since 2025. This amplifies perceptions of Washington leaning closer to New Delhi at a sensitive time.

Pakistan reacted sharply to Gor’s remarks, summoning the US Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad and lodging a formal protest. Its foreign ministry described Gor’s comments as “factually incorrect” and “irresponsible,” accusing the envoy of undermining Washington’s long-standing position on Kashmir and international law. Islamabad categorically rejected the characterisation of Jammu and Kashmir as part of India.

The envoy’s suggestion of reviewing the travel advisory is particularly important for New Delhi, which has sought international recognition of security improvements in Kashmir since 2019. Analysts argue that if the US follows through, it would be a major diplomatic victory for India, aligning with its long-term goals of normalising the region and projecting stability.

The backdrop of Gor’s visit is significant, coming after Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam attack, and amid President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of mediating between India and Pakistan.

Against this unconventional backdrop, Gor’s remarks carry symbolic and diplomatic weight, strengthening India-US ties while risking friction with Pakistan.

Agencies

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Pakistani Cleric Claims Hafiz Saeed Sent 10,000 Youths To Fight In Kashmir

A Pakistani cleric, Maulana Nasir Madni, has claimed that Lashkar‑e‑Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed sent more than 10,000 young men to fight in Kashmir, a statement that has reignited debate over Pakistan‑based militant recruitment and India’s long‑standing allegations against Saeed, FirstPost reported.

His remarks, made at a Bahawalpur rally, directly link Saeed to cross‑border militant activity despite his imprisonment.

Madni’s speech was delivered at a rally organised by the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), a political outfit with links to LeT. In a video that has circulated widely, he praised Saeed as a figure who had made sacrifices for the country and claimed that Saeed had “presented 10,000 youths for Kashmir and for the sacrifice of the motherland.”

He referred to these men as “commandos” and questioned why they had remained silent while Saeed was in prison. The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified, but the remarks have drawn significant attention.

The cleric’s comments echo India’s long‑standing accusations that Saeed and LeT have recruited, trained, and facilitated militants for attacks against India. Saeed co‑founded LeT and later established Jamaat‑ud‑Dawa (JuD).

He has been designated a terrorist by both the United Nations and the United States, with Washington offering a $10 million reward for information leading to his conviction. His name has been repeatedly linked to major terror incidents, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

The timing of Madni’s remarks is notable. On 6 July 2026, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet naming Saeed as a key accused in the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people.

The NIA accused Saeed and LeT of conspiring to wage war against India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. A special NIA court subsequently issued a non‑bailable warrant against him, underscoring India’s determination to pursue accountability despite his imprisonment in Pakistan.

Pakistan maintains that Saeed is serving prison sentences in connection with terror‑financing cases. However, Indian officials and security analysts argue that Pakistan‑based militant networks continue to operate, with Saeed allegedly retaining influence over them despite incarceration.

Reports suggest that his ideological and organisational reach remains intact, though Saeed and his supporters deny any militant links, portraying his organisations as charitable and humanitarian.

Madni’s claim contradicts Saeed’s public portrayal as a social worker and philanthropist. By explicitly linking him to the mobilisation of thousands of fighters for Kashmir, the cleric’s remarks have revived questions about the scale of LeT’s involvement in terrorism and the role allegedly played by its founder. 

Analysts note that even if the figure of 10,000 cannot be independently verified, the statement itself is significant because it publicly acknowledges militant recruitment activities that Pakistan has often sought to downplay.

The claim also comes amid heightened scrutiny of Pakistan’s militant landscape. Indian intelligence has repeatedly warned of LeT’s attempts to rebuild infrastructure in Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir, including training camps and launch pads near the Line of Control. Madni’s remarks add weight to concerns that militant networks remain resilient and continue to pose a threat to regional stability.

For India, the cleric’s statement reinforces its narrative that Pakistan has not dismantled LeT’s operational capacity. For Pakistan, it raises uncomfortable questions about the extent of Saeed’s influence and the credibility of its claims that he is merely a prisoner serving sentences for financial crimes.

The broader implication is that militant networks, despite leadership setbacks, retain the ability to regenerate and sustain cross‑border operations.

Agencies

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