Probe reveals terror network spread across J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: In a major counter-terror operation, Jammu and Kashmir Police have foiled a covert plan by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) to exfiltrate its terrorists from India, arresting two Pakistani terrorists along with three local associates, officials said on Tuesday.
The arrested terrorists, Abdullah alias Abu Hurraira and Usman alias Khubaib, were apprehended by Srinagar Police in Malerkotla, Punjab, more than a week ago while allegedly attempting to flee the country.
A police official said that acting on specific human and technical intelligence, the Special Operations Group (SOG) tracked and intercepted the duo before they could execute their escape plan.
“Investigations have revealed a vast and deeply entrenched terror network with links across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana. The terrorists were active in Kashmir for over a decade, were being exfiltrated to Pakistan to take up senior roles and direct terror operations from across the border,” he said.
As per officials, Hurraira, who infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir around 2010, is believed to have played a key role in building logistical infrastructure, including arranging safe hideouts and facilitating financial support for terror activities. For over a year, he has been operating from the upper reaches on the outskirts of Srinagar.
They further said the exfiltration plan involved routing the terrorists through foreign countries due to tight security along the Line of Control and the International Border. However, timely action by Srinagar Police foiled the attempt.
“During interrogation, the accused disclosed details of a widespread support network aiding LeT terrorists. Subsequent raids at multiple locations led to the detention of 25–30 suspects. Three locals, Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat, Adil Rashid Bhat, and Ghulam Mohammad Mir, have been arrested for providing logistical support,” the official added.
Officials further revealed that another Pakistani terrorist, active in Kashmir for nearly six years, had earlier managed to escape abroad using forged travel documents with assistance from operatives based in Rajasthan and Haryana.
The operation, launched on March 31, was carried out through close coordination across multiple states and was directly supervised by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat. Senior officers ensured seamless intelligence sharing and real-time monitoring to track the movement of suspects beyond Jammu and Kashmir.
Police teams worked in tandem with counterparts in Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana, enabling swift action at multiple locations. Officials said the coordinated effort was key to dismantling the network and preventing the terrorists from slipping out of the country.
Meanwhile, it was the second major success for Srinagar Police in recent months against transnational terror networks. Authorities believe the arrests have dealt a significant blow to attempts aimed at shifting operational command of terror outfits outside India.
Security agencies are continuing investigations to dismantle the wider network and its cross-border linkages.
