New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that ahead of Independence Day Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Govt destroyed an ISI-backed terror network ahead of Independence Day, with security forces successfully thwarting the Shahzad Bhatti terror network’s plans to carry out subversive attacks across the country.
In a post on X, the Union Home Minister said, “Modi govt destroyed the ISI-backed terror group Shahzad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day and thwarted its plans for subversive attacks by arresting more than 200 operatives.”
“Indian security forces ripped apart the network by launching coordinated operations across different locations in 14 states upholding a brilliant example of India’s zero-tolerance towards terrorism,” Shah said.
The Union Home Minister said, “Improvised explosive devices (IEDs), grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges, and CCTV cameras used for espionage were recovered from the ISI-funded group and the network was involved in several terrorist activities.”
Meanwhile, in a statement, the MHA said the terror syndicate was busted in a “major multi-state crackdown. “Two hundred and fifty-three (253) people were detained across 14 states. More than 80 FIRs stand registered and over 200 arrests have been recorded against the Shahzad Bhatti Network as part of the zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism.”
It said, “The operation was carried out in coordination with state police forces and followed intelligence inputs on activities linked to the network. In Uttar Pradesh 62 people, in Haryana 52, in Delhi 51, in Punjab 44, in Rajasthan 15, in Maharashtra 8, in Uttarakhand 5, in Karnataka, Gujarat and Bihar, 3 each, and Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala 2 each, were detained.”
“Fresh FIRs were registered in Delhi and Karnataka during the operation. The cases have been registered under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and Explosive Substances Act,” the statement said.
According to the statement, Shahzad Bhatti Network is based in Pakistan and has been linked to grenade, improvised explosive device and petrol bomb attacks as well as targeted killings in India.
“The network also allegedly paid local operatives to conduct reconnaissance of police, defence and religious sites and install closed-circuit television cameras for surveillance,” it said, adding, “Security agencies recovered improvised explosive devices, pistols, live cartridges and closed-circuit television cameras during investigations, while some grenades recovered from the accused bore Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings.”
The statement said the August 12 operation was conducted using a real-time intelligence-sharing mechanism involving central agencies and state police forces. “Investigations into the network and its associates are continuing.”

Srinagar: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Monday attended the Mulaqat programme in Pulwama, an initiative of Save Youth, Save Future Foundation, dedicated to fostering interfaith dialogue, harmony, and the preservation of India’s shared heritage.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that dialogue is not merely an exchange of words but a bridge between hearts, a means of nurturing trust and a path to peace and prosperity.
Quoting ancient wisdom from the Rig Veda- “Sangachchhadhwam Samvadadhwam, Sam Vo Manamsi Janatam”, the Lieutenant Governor reminded the gathering that walking together, conversing together and making space for one another in our hearts is the essence of India’s civilizational ethos. He noted that diversity is not a weakness but the nation’s greatest strength, a heritage safeguarded through mutual trust and respect.
“Mutual trust and respect to all faiths and beliefs was an integral part of our way of life. The civilisation of our beloved Bharat gave us a profoundly beautiful message 6,000 years ago to walk together, converse together and make space for one another in our hearts,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that India’s soil has, for centuries, welcomed faiths, cultures, and traditions from across the world, weaving them into the fabric of the country. He highlighted that this confluence of traditions is visible today in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam-the world is one family-and in the ethos of Kashmiriyat, which teaches that true identity lies in conduct and humanity, not in labels of faith or community.
Acknowledging the efforts of the Save Youth Save Future Foundation, the Lieutenant Governor commended the young volunteers working against drug abuse and promoting brotherhood. He urged that such initiatives be expanded on a broader scale.
“Such initiatives need to be expanded on a much broader scale. I believe that another meaning of true peace is that it begins when we start understanding one another. From that perspective, our gathering here is not merely a social meeting. The true meaning of Mulaqat is to listen to one another, understand one another, respect one another and, wherever there is distance between hearts, take the first step towards dialogue.
Through programmes such as Mulaqat, we must create a culture in which people belonging to all faiths, all systems of worship and all sections of society sit together, discuss issues, examine the truth and assess reality. Wherever a wall has been erected between people, everyone must work together to bring it down,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also outlined a six-point roadmap for the future and called upon administration and all sections of society to Institutionalise regular interfaith dialogues in schools, colleges, and community centres to foster understanding among youth. He stressed on Youth Peace Ambassadors and called upon youth to lead initiatives in cultural exchange, community service, and environmental protection.
He noted that preserving historical and cultural sites as common heritage through joint participation of citizens and administration is significant. The Lieutenant Governor urged youth to promote digital literacy and counter misinformation to safeguard public trust.
“It is the collective responsibility of the public and the administration to ensure that youth receive an education that teaches them to ask questions, access to technology that guides them towards progress, and the character that inspires patriotism and nation-building,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also highlighted the role of social justice and equal opportunities for progressive society and asked all the stakeholders to ensure impartial systems that deliver education, employment, healthcare, and justice to all citizens. In his sixth and last recommendation, the Lieutenant Governor asked for constituting Village Peace Committees, representing all sections of society to strengthen compassion, humanity and development.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that while governments can make laws and administrations can provide systems, true harmony is built by the people themselves. He called upon administrative officers to ensure the safety of citizens, equal opportunities in development and proper implementation of welfare schemes.
On the occasion, Lieutenant Governor flagged off the Tiranga Yatra from Sports Stadium, Pulwama. He also commended the people of Pulwama for their enthusiastic participation in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ and other national integration programmes.
Javaid Iqbal Matoo, DIG South Kashmir Range; Dr. Basharat Qayoom, Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama; Tanushree, SSP Pulwama; Wajahat Farooq Bhat, Chairman, Save Youth Save Future Foundation; Ms Anika Nazir, Women’s Wing President, Mudasir Dar, Zonal President (South Kashmir) and other members of the Foundation; senior officials, civil society members, prominent citizens, people from different walks of life and youth in large number attended the Mulaqat programme.

Srinagar: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Monday visited the Ramakrishna Mahasammelan Ashram in Anantnag on the auspicious occasion of Samadhi Pratishtha Divas, Nag Panchami Mahotsav, and the Purnahuti of the Yajna. He also laid the foundation stone for initiatives dedicated to heritage and cultural preservation.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor expressed deep reverence for the Ashram, which has preserved the wisdom of sages. Paying homage to Swami Ashokanand Ji Maharaj, the Lieutenant Governor recalled his visionary resolve in 1937, which transformed the Ashram into a vibrant spiritual centre. He noted that Swami Ashokanand Ji Maharaj envisioned not merely a place of worship but a living institution that carried forward the eternal message of Sanatana Dharma while serving the real needs of society. “His legacy of service, discipline, and dedication continues to inspire generations. When Swami Ashokanand Ji Maharaj left his mortal body in 1971, he left behind a living tradition of service, discipline, sadhana, and dedication that can still be felt in every activity of this ashram,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that Indian civilisation has always seen spirituality and nature as inseparable. Quoting the Isha Upanishad, he reminded the gathering that the Divine pervades all creation. In the context of global climate challenges, the Lieutenant Governor urged the youth to embrace their responsibility towards rivers, forests, animals, and all living beings, ensuring that development remains sustainable and in harmony with nature. Highlighting new initiatives at the Ashram, including the construction of a Yatri Niwas, renovation works, a dining complex, and the expansion of the Yajnashala, the Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that these projects would embody faith transformed into action. He stressed that spirituality in Indian culture means responsibility towards the world, performed with selfless service. Drawing from the Bhagavad Gita, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated Lord Krishna’s teaching and underlined that when action becomes service and service becomes dedication, even ordinary work becomes sadhana.
The Lieutenant Governor praised the Ashram’s affiliation with the Swami Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, which serves on the principle of “Atmano Mokshartham Jagad Hitaya Cha” – for one’s own liberation and for the welfare of the world. The Lieutenant Governor urged the youth to draw inspiration from Swami Vivekananda’s message of self-confidence, fearlessness, and selfless service, reminding them that true strength lies within and that every individual is the maker of their own destiny. Reaffirming India’s timeless philosophy of unity in diversity, the Lieutenant Governor said that India’s strength lies in respecting diversity while moving forward together. The message of Sarva Dharma Samabhava (equal respect for all religions), he said, has been India’s gift to the world. “Swami Vivekananda said that a human being’s real strength lies within, and no one needs to consider themselves weak. No matter how difficult your circumstances may be, within you lies the capacity for growth, change, and great work. Swami Vivekananda also revealed the secret of true success and true happiness, saying that the person who is truly rich is one who serves without expecting any reward and acts with a selfless spirit. Therefore, through the Satsang of the ashram’s volunteers, devotees, and office-bearers, there is a need to inspire society towards selfless action,” the Lieutenant Governor said. Padma Brij Lal Bhat, Chairman, Administrative Committee, Ramakrishna Mahasammelan Ashram, Vivekananda Kendra, Nagdandi; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture Department; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Javid Iqbal Mattoo, DIG South Kashmir; Amod Ashok Nagpure, SSP Anantnag; Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag; Shivanand Rohit Raina; members of Ramakrishna Mahasammelan Ashram and Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari; senior officials, prominent citizens and devotees in large number were present.

Jammu: Marking the commencement of the annual spiritual journey, the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Monday flagged off the first batch of devotees for the holy Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas, while extending warm wishes to all pilgrims for a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed deep appreciation to the Baba Amarnath and Budha Amarnath Yatri Nyas along with VHP and Bajrang Dal, local authorities, langar organisations and civil society groups for their meticulous coordination and comprehensive arrangements ensuring the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage and the Budha Amarnath Ji Mela. “The sacred journey to Baba Budha Amarnath’s abode is a deeply enlightening experience. I firmly believe this pilgrimage brings profound transformation and reveals life’s deepest truths to every devotee,” the Lieutenant Governor said. A large gathering of eminent spiritual leaders, religious heads, public representatives, senior civil and police administrators, security officials, prominent citizens, and enthusiastic devotees attended the flag-off ceremony.

Srinagar: Marking a significant breakthrough in its investigation into the smuggling of narcotics from across the Line of Control (LoC) and the alleged use of drug proceeds to finance terrorist activities, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has arrested an absconding operative allegedly involved in a narco-terror financing network.
In a statement issued here on Monday of spokesman of SIA said that the accused Manoj Kumar Bhat alias Pintu, son of P K Bhat of Rehari Colony, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu was apprehended during a special operation conducted in Jammu.
Bhat was wanted in connection with FIR No. 13/2022, registered by SIA Kashmir on June 3, 2022, in connection with the alleged smuggling and distribution of narcotics and channelisation of the proceeds towards terror financing. He had reportedly been evading arrest for nearly four years, the spokesman said.
“The SIA investigation has uncovered a wider narco-terror conspiracy allegedly involving Pakistan/PoK-based operatives linked with the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). Narcotics were allegedly trafficked into Jammu and Kashmir, distributed through a local network and the proceeds from their sale subsequently channelled towards activities sustaining the terrorist ecosystem,” he said, adding, “Bhat allegedly played a role in facilitating the sale and distribution of narcotics in the Jammu division. His arrest followed sustained efforts involving technical surveillance, human intelligence and coordinated investigative measures.”
The investigation, the spokesman said, has also revealed alleged links with Pakistan/PoK-based terrorist handlers, including Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo alias Kandoo, son of Abdul Khaliq Kandoo of Kralteng, Sopore, and Manzoor Ahmad Khan, son of late Abdul Majeed Khan of Braman Panzala, Baramulla. “These individuals facilitated the trafficking of narcotics from PoK, which were subsequently collected, distributed and sold through a network operating in J&K,” he said.
The spokesman said that the case was initially registered following the recovery of one kilogram of heroin from Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi and Waseem Ahmad Khan at Nowpora, Sopore. Subsequent investigation led to the recovery of seven kilograms of poppy straw and four kilograms of poppy seeds. The SIA had earlier also recovered 15 grams of heroin from the residential premises of Manoj Kumar Bhat. “One motorcycle and electronic gadgets have also been seized and are currently undergoing forensic and technical examination,” hes aid, adding, “During the investigation, SIA Kashmir filed multiple charge-sheets before the competent court against Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi, Waseem Ahmad Khan, Bashir Ahmad Koli, Mohammad Ashraf Lone, Mohammad Saleem Khan and Zafraan Khan for judicial determination.”
The agency said the investigation has established the involvement of a broader network allegedly associated with Hizbul Mujahideen and its Pakistan/PoK-based handlers.
Meanwhile, SIA Kashmir has also secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against terrorist handler and narco-terror operative Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo in a separate terror-related case.
The latest arrest is expected to help investigators uncover further layers of the alleged conspiracy, establish additional linkages, trace the financial trail and identify the complete chain connecting narcotics trafficking with terror financing.
The SIA said its investigation remains ongoing and that efforts will continue to identify and apprehend all persons allegedly involved in the network and dismantle the structures supporting narco-terror financing

Srinagar: An ocean of devotion swept through Srinagar’s Old City on Monday evening as thousands of devotees rushed towards the historic Naqshband Sahib shrine to participate in the centuries-old tradition of ‘Khoja Digar’.
From elderly devotees carrying memories of the tradition for decades to young faithful joining the congregation with their families, the gathering brought together generations of Kashmiris at Khawaja Bazar, Srinagar.
“I have been attending the prayer for decades. Earlier, I used to come with my elders, and now I come with children and grandchildren,” Mohammad Salam Dar, 70, from Habba Kadal said.
For other devotees, the annual gathering is not only a religious observance but also a way of keeping alive a tradition passed down through generations.
“It is important for us to be here and be part of this tradition. We have heard about it from our elders, and now we want the younger generation to experience it too,” said Mukhtar Ahmad, a devotee in his 30s.
The traditional prayer, observed on the third day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, is associated with Hazrat Khwaja Naqshband Sahib (RA) and the Naqshbandi spiritual order.
The shrine and adjoining streets remained packed as devotees offered Asr prayers and recited Awraad-e-Asriya, with special prayers also offered for peace, prosperity and the well-being of Jammu and Kashmir.
The congregation extended onto the Nowhatta-Khanyar road stretch, as devotees from different parts of the Valley joined the annual observance.
Authorities and shrine management had made arrangements for security and the convenience of devotees, while the huge gathering also affected traffic movement in several downtown areas.
Long queues of vehicles were reported in Rainawari, Khanyar, Nowpora, Bohri Kadal, Hawal and adjoining areas following the closure of the Khawaja Bazar road for the congregation.
Meanwhile, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who traditionally leads the Khoja Digar prayers, said he had been placed under house arrest and prevented from attending the gathering.
“Ahead of the centuries-old tradition of Khoje Digar at the shrine of Naqshband Sahib, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been placed under house arrest, barring him from delivering the traditional sermon and offering prayers at the historic shrine,” the Mirwaiz Manzil said in a post on X.
Despite his absence, thousands continued to gather at the shrine, turning the historic lanes of downtown Srinagar into a sea of prayer, faith and tradition