Operative Behind Ram Temple Reconnaissance and RSS HQ, Hafiz Saeed's Relative on Terrorist List

Islamabad, Pakistan Jul 4, 2026 ALN: The Union Home Ministry of India has taken significant steps to combat terrorism by designating 23 individuals based in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This announcement, made on July 4, 2026, signifies a robust effort to dismantle terrorist networks that threaten India's national security. The individuals targeted in this latest move are involved in various activities such as infiltration, recruitment, logistics, financing, and operational planning, all aimed at undermining the stability and security of India.

This designation is part of a broader strategy by the Indian government to tackle the persistent threat posed by terrorist organizations, particularly those linked to Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Maulana Masood Azhar, the founder of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). These organizations have been implicated in numerous terrorist activities within India, and their operatives have been responsible for orchestrating attacks that have resulted in significant loss of life and heightened tensions in the region.

All 23 individuals have been listed under the fourth schedule of the UAPA, which allows for the designation of terrorists based on their activities and affiliations. This legal framework empowers the government to take decisive action against individuals and groups that pose a threat to national security. The implications of this designation are far-reaching, as it not only marks these individuals as terrorists but also facilitates their prosecution and the freezing of their assets, thereby disrupting their operational capabilities.

Among those designated, Mohammad Musaddiq stands out as a Pakistani JeM operative who has been implicated in reconnaissance activities at critical sites, including the Ram Janmabhoomi complex in Ayodhya and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur. The Ram Janmabhoomi site holds immense religious significance for s, and any threats to its security are taken very seriously by the Indian government. Musaddiq's role as a launching commander for the Lasiyakot sector indicates his involvement in facilitating infiltration into India, employing methods such as tunnels and drones to transport arms and ammunition. This highlights the evolving tactics used by terrorist organizations to circumvent traditional security measures.

Another prominent figure in this list is Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, a Pakistani national and a close associate of Masood Azhar. He has been accused of leveraging social media to recruit young individuals into terrorist activities and orchestrating attacks, including a notable assault on a police checkpoint in Sunjwan, Jammu, in April 2022. This underscores the growing concern regarding the use of digital platforms for radicalization and recruitment, which has become a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies worldwide.

Mufti Mohammad Asghar Khan, identified as JeM's Amir and head of its military wing in PoJK, has been linked to the attack on the Indian Army camp in Nagrota. His involvement in running training camps in Muzaffarabad, where military instruction is provided to recruits, raises alarms regarding the organized training of terrorists and the potential for future attacks against Indian security forces. The presence of such camps underscores the need for continuous monitoring and counter-terrorism efforts in the region.

Hafiz Abdul Shakoor, alias Qari Jarrar, is also accused of facilitating the infiltration of terrorists for the Nagrota Army camp attack. His coordination of terrorist activities with support from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan highlights the complex web of relationships between terrorist organizations and state agencies, further complicating the landscape of counter-terrorism.

Abdullah Jihadi, another JeM operative, has been alleged to have collaborated with Mufti Asghar Khan to incite hatred against the Indian government and manage launching camps in North Kashmir. The recruitment of local youth into terrorist ranks remains a critical concern, as it contributes to the ongoing cycle of violence and instability in the region.

Among the Indian nationals designated, Firdous Ahmad Bhat is notable for having crossed into Pakistan in 2018 and is involved in facilitating infiltration and supplying weapons in South Kashmir. This highlights the troubling phenomenon of individuals from India becoming actively involved in terrorist networks across the border, posing a direct challenge to national security.

Ghulam Farid, a Pakistani national affiliated with JeM, has a military background and was previously arrested in India before being deported to Pakistan. His return to Pakistan and subsequent designation as a terrorist raises questions about the effectiveness of border security measures and the potential for recidivism among individuals with a history of terrorism.

Haroon Rashid Ganai, another Indian national, is accused of encouraging recruitment from the Kashmir valley and supplying arms to overground workers, further illustrating the local dimensions of the terrorist threat in the region. The involvement of local operatives in the logistics and recruitment processes complicates the counter-terrorism landscape, as it becomes increasingly challenging to identify and disrupt these networks.

Bilal Ahmad Mir, based in Muzaffarabad, is linked to both LeT and The Resistance Front (TRF), allegedly inciting local youth to jihad. The TRF's emergence as a new player in the terrorist landscape underscores the evolving nature of militant groups in the region and the need for adaptive counter-terrorism strategies.

Abid Qayoom Lone, residing in PoJK, is accused of planning attacks on security forces and raising funds for LeT through narcotics smuggling. This connection between drug trafficking and terrorism financing highlights the multifaceted nature of the threats facing India, as criminal enterprises often fund terrorist activities.

Another individual, Nazir Ahmed Gujjar, has been implicated in recruiting youths and facilitating drone-based arms consignments across the border. The use of drones for arms smuggling represents a significant shift in tactics and poses new challenges for border security and counter-terrorism operations.

Among the senior figures designated is Abdul Rauf, a long-time leader of LeT, who is accused of mobilizing funds internationally for terrorist activities. His designation reflects ongoing efforts to disrupt the financial networks that sustain terrorist organizations.

Ashfaq Ahmed, a JeM functionary, has been linked to the Pathankot airbase attack and oversees several trusts involved in financing terrorism. The Pathankot attack was a significant incident in the history of Indo-Pak relations, and the continued identification of individuals linked to it underscores the long-term repercussions of such events.

Hafiz Khalid Waleed, identified as Hafiz Saeed's son-in-law, is considered a mastermind behind various attacks and has been designated a global terrorist. His familial ties to Saeed highlight the entrenched nature of these terrorist networks and the challenges in dismantling them.

Maulana Imdad Ullah Makki, a close associate of Masood Azhar, has been implicated in coordinating terrorist activities during the Pathankot airbase attack, reinforcing the interconnectedness of these organizations and their operatives.

Maulana Saifullah Khalid, affiliated with LeT, has led multiple propaganda and reform initiatives for the organization, indicating the ideological battle that accompanies the physical conflict against terrorism.

Mohammad Yaqoob, an operational commander for LeT, is accused of coordinating logistical support for terrorist activities in Kashmir. His designation highlights the importance of logistical planning in the execution of terrorist operations and the need for intelligence efforts to disrupt these plans.

Maulana Yusuf Taibi, linked to the control and reform wing of LeT, has been involved in various educational and religious initiatives promoting jihad. The use of ideological indoctrination in schools and community centers remains a significant concern for counter-terrorism efforts.

Owais Farooz, another Indian national, has been implicated in terrorist activities and is currently wanted by Indian authorities. His status as a wanted individual reflects ongoing efforts to track and apprehend those involved in terrorism.

Qari Yaqub Sheikh, a central leader of Jamaat-ud-Dawa, has been accused of raising funds for terrorism in Saudi Arabia. This international dimension of terrorism financing complicates efforts to combat these networks, as they often operate across borders.

Rana Iftikhar, associated with Hafiz Saeed, manages finances for LeT's operations in Kashmir, further emphasizing the importance of financial networks in sustaining terrorist activities.

Wasim Noor Jat, identified as a JeM launching commander, has been accused of overseeing drone-based weapons drops into India. This innovation in arms smuggling poses new challenges for Indian security forces and necessitates advanced counter-drone technologies and strategies.

Finally, Mohammad Shahid Faisal, now active in Rawalpindi, has been linked to multiple terrorist conspiracies and recruitment efforts through social media. His activities exemplify the ongoing threat of radicalization and recruitment in the digital age, where social media platforms can be used to spread extremist ideologies and recruit individuals into terrorist organizations.

The designation of these individuals as terrorists under the UAPA is a critical step in India's ongoing fight against terrorism. It not only aims to disrupt the operational capabilities of these groups but also sends a strong message regarding India's commitment to safeguarding its national security. As the situation continues to evolve, it will be essential for India to maintain vigilance and adapt its strategies to effectively counter the multifaceted threats posed by terrorism in the region.