Significant Crackdown on J&K White-Collar Terror Network: 2,900kg of IED Materials Confiscated

Post by : Raina Nasser

Srinagar – In a decisive action, Jammu and Kashmir police have successfully dismantled an interstate and transnational terror module affiliated with the banned groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. This operation unveiled a troubling network of white-collar terrorists, including radicalised professionals such as doctors, who were allegedly orchestrating terror activities under the guidance of handlers based in Pakistan and abroad.

Authorities have confiscated an extensive cache of 2,900kg of bomb-making materials, which includes 350kg of ammonium nitrate, alongside assault rifles, handguns, ammunition, and timers. Incriminating documents featuring instructions on crafting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were seized from the residences of Mujammil Shakeel, a medical professional in Haryana, and Adil Ahmad Rather, a doctor in Anantnag, J&K.

The security operations extended to several locations within J&K—including Srinagar, Anantnag, Ganderbal, and Shopian—as well as Faridabad near Delhi. In total, alongside Shakeel and Rather, five other suspects were arrested: Arif Nisar Dar, Yasir-ul-Ashraf, Maqsood Ahmad Dar, Molvi Irfan Ahmad, and Zameer Ahmad Ahanger. Investigators are now scrutinizing a female physician from Al-Falah Hospital, whose vehicle contained one of the confiscated assault rifles.

Officials indicated that the terror network was functioning under the supervision of Pakistan-based operatives, engaging in activities that ranged from propaganda dissemination to logistical support for prospective attacks. The recovered arms include an Italian-manufactured Beretta pistol and a Russian-made Krinkov assault rifle, known for its compact size and lethal efficiency.

This operation emphasizes the increasing threat posed by white-collar terrorism, where educated professionals take advantage of their roles to further extremist motives. Authorities are also working to trace the financial sources and cross-border connections to ensure the complete dissolution of the terror network.

Officials have confirmed that the 2,900kg of explosive materials—chemicals, batteries, wires, timers, and other components for IEDs—present serious risks to national security. The materials confiscated in Faridabad included 350kg of ammonium nitrate, which was initially believed to be military-grade explosives.

This crackdown coincides with increases in Pakistan-backed terrorist activities in J&K, with groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish planning coordinated assaults, infiltration, and reconnaissance operations. Intelligence sources have pointed to a growing link between Pakistan’s ISI, Lashkar, and IS-Khorasan Province, aiming to further destabilise the region.

This operation represents a substantial setback for extremist factions in India, highlighting the ongoing vigilance of Indian security agencies against the evolving landscape of terror threats.