The Union Government has intensified its action against cross-border terrorism by officially declaring 23 Pakistan-based operatives as individual terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The decision was notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs through a gazette notification issued on July 4, as part of India’s ongoing campaign against terror networks operating across the border.
The newly designated individuals are alleged to have been involved in terror recruitment, infiltration, financing, weapons supply through drones, training of militants and planning attacks, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.
JeM And LeT Members Figure Prominently
According to the Home Ministry, most of the individuals have alleged links with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Among those named are three alleged close associates of LeT founder Hafiz Muhammad Saeed. The notification identifies Abdul Rauf, Hafiz Khalid Waleed, and Rana Iftikhar as key figures allegedly involved in coordinating terrorist activities, fundraising, recruitment and motivating youth to join militant groups.
The government has also linked several of the designated individuals to major terror attacks, including the 2016 Nagrota Army camp attack and the 2018 Sunjwan Military Station attack.
What The UAPA Designation Means
Under the amended provisions of the UAPA, the Central Government can declare an individual as a terrorist if there is reason to believe that the person is involved in terrorism.
Once designated, agencies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) gain wider powers to freeze financial assets, seize properties, block funding channels and impose restrictions aimed at disrupting terrorist operations.
The law was amended in 2019, allowing the government to designate individuals as terrorists. Earlier, only organisations could be listed under the anti-terror law.
With the latest notification, the total number of designated individual terrorists under the UAPA has increased to 80.
Operatives Linked To Multiple Terror Activities
The Home Ministry stated that the newly listed individuals have allegedly played different roles within terror organisations, including managing infiltration routes, operating training camps, coordinating logistics, supplying arms, raising funds and facilitating attacks against security forces.
Several operatives have also been accused of using encrypted communication platforms, drone-based supply networks and online recruitment methods to sustain militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Part Of India’s Counter-Terror Strategy
The latest action comes as India continues to strengthen its counter-terror framework through legal, diplomatic and security measures. Officials have repeatedly reiterated the government’s policy of maintaining zero tolerance towards terrorism and dismantling cross-border terror infrastructure.
The designation of these 23 individuals is expected to strengthen the legal framework for financial restrictions, investigations and international cooperation against those accused of supporting terrorist activities targeting India.
