A senior Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, Qari Saeed Abdul Aziz, was found dead under suspicious circumstances at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. As per reports, the LeT commander Qari Saeed had eaten at an ‘unfamiliar’ restaurant before heading to the Quba Mosque in Islamabad for prayers, but he suddenly collapsed at the mosque gate and died.&nbsp;The news of Qari Saeed’s sudden death comes days after a top Lashkar operative claimed that unknown men killed around 30 of its members within Pakistan.The exact cause of his death was not immediately known.&nbsp;The deceased Lashkar commander was in charge of a department in the group that assisted the families of the terrorists killed during encounters in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-says-israel-rejects-board-of-peace-plan-for-gaza-disarmament-1786276611175">Netanyahu says Israel rejects Board of Peace plan for Gaza disarmament</a>&nbsp;<h2>Another killing by ‘unknown men’?</h2>&nbsp;Qari Saeed’s death comes days after a senior Lashkar operative claimed that “unknown men” had killed around 30 members of the banned terror outfit inside Pakistan.&nbsp;In a video that was shared widely on social media recently, Rizwan Hanif alleged that several members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group had been killed across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu &amp; Kashmir (PoK) over the past three to four years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-daniel-kinahan-the-suspected-cartel-boss-extradited-from-dubai-to-ireland-1786281059352">Who is Daniel Kinahan? The suspected cartel boss extradited from Dubai to Ireland</a>&nbsp;Lashkar-e-Taiba was behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks in which Pakistani terrorists killed 166 innocent people, mostly civilians.&nbsp;Hanif claimed that more than 30 Lashkar terrorists had been killed by “unknown men" in Peshawar, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad.&nbsp;It was the first time that a terrorist linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba had made public admission that such killings had taken place. The United Nations had sanctioned the terrorist group in 2005 over its links to Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

Senior Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, Qari Saeed Abdul Aziz, collapsed near the mosque’s gate and died. The news of Qari Saeed’s sudden death comes days after a top Lashkar operative claimed that unknown men killed around 30 of its members within Pakistan.

A senior Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, Qari Saeed Abdul Aziz, was found dead under suspicious circumstances at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. As per reports, the LeT commander Qari Saeed had eaten at an ‘unfamiliar’ restaurant before heading to the Quba Mosque in Islamabad for prayers, but he suddenly collapsed at the mosque gate and died. The news of Qari Saeed’s sudden death comes days after a top Lashkar operative claimed that unknown men killed around 30 of its members within Pakistan. The exact cause of his death was not immediately known. The deceased Lashkar commander was in charge of a department in the group that assisted the families of the terrorists killed during encounters in Jammu and Kashmir. Also Read: Netanyahu says Israel rejects Board of Peace plan for Gaza disarmament Another killing by ‘unknown men’? Qari Saeed’s death comes days after a senior Lashkar operative claimed that “unknown men” had killed around 30 members of the banned terror outfit inside Pakistan. In a video that was shared widely on social media recently, Rizwan Hanif alleged that several members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group had been killed across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoK) over the past three to four years. Also Read: Who is Daniel Kinahan? The suspected cartel boss extradited from Dubai to Ireland Lashkar-e-Taiba was behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks in which Pakistani terrorists killed 166 innocent people, mostly civilians. Hanif claimed that more than 30 Lashkar terrorists had been killed by “unknown men" in Peshawar, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad. It was the first time that a terrorist linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba had made public admission that such killings had taken place. The United Nations had sanctioned the terrorist group in 2005 over its links to Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

Senior Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, Qari Saeed Abdul Aziz, collapsed near the mosque’s gate and died. The news of Qari Saeed’s sudden death comes days after a top Lashkar operative claimed that unknown men killed around 30 of its members within Pakistan.

Lashkar commander dies ‘mysteriously’ at Islamabad mosque entrance after eating at ‘unfamiliar’ eatery

&nbsp;A Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist from Pakistan, who infiltrated into India to set up sleeper cells outside Jammu and Kashmir, found life in the Valley entirely different from what he had been told during terror training in Pakistan and even underwent hair restoration treatment in Srinagar, as he had been dealing with severe hair loss for years.Mohammed Usman Jatt, alias ‘Chinese’, who was arrested last month by the Srinagar Police, told National Investigation Agency (NIA) interrogators that he had been tasked with carrying out terror attacks in India by setting up sleeper cells outside Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;&nbsp;NIA officials said on Sunday that during questioning, Jatt also revealed that he had undergone a hair transplant in Srinagar after crossing over. Jatt, a native of Lahore, told NIA officials that his objectives “shifted entirely” after he witnessed the reality of daily life in Kashmir.&nbsp;He further said he had been dealing with severe hair loss for years, which had “deeply impacted” his self-esteem. Though he had heard about hair restoration procedures, he thought they were a luxury available only in the West.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-demanding-concessions-in-counterproposal-it-failed-to-achieve-through-war-iran-media-1779023150721">US demanding concessions in counterproposal it failed to achieve through war: Iran media&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;Jatt told interrogators that during his stay in the upper hills of Srinagar, he was introduced to Pakistani terrorists Zargam and Abdullah alias “Abu Huraira.” Zargam took him to a shop, where, during a conversation, the owner revealed that he had undergone a hair transplant. Thereafter, the terrorist continued to visit the shop owner and finally managed to convince him to help arrange a hair transplant.&nbsp;The Lashkar operative was taken to a clinic in Srinagar, where the procedure was carried out. At times, he had to stay overnight in the clinic for the procedure.&nbsp;After the procedure, Jutt and Abdullah, alias Abu Hureira, the longest-surviving Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, boarded a passenger vehicle to Jammu and later took a sleeper bus to Malerkotla, Punjab. There, he spent time watching Turkish television shows and trying to learn English.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-chief-who-replaced-mohd-sinwar-and-helped-plan-oct-7-attacks-killed-says-israel-1778933840744">Hamas chief who replaced Mohd Sinwar and helped plan Oct. 7 attacks killed, says Israel</a>&nbsp;NIA officials said Jatt also revealed the names of people with whom he had stayed, which led the Srinagar police to bust the entire racket of overground workers (OGWs) of the terror group operating in North Kashmir and Srinagar city.&nbsp;Jatt further revealed that he wanted to obtain Aadhaar and PAN cards and eventually a passport to escape from India like Umar, alias “Khargosh”, who managed to secure a passport and flee to Indonesia.&nbsp;Umar, a resident of Karachi in Pakistan, is believed to have used another forged travel document in Indonesia to relocate to a Gulf country. He had procured a forged passport from Jaipur, Rajasthan, in 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-killed-32-injured-as-freight-train-hits-bus-at-rail-crossing-in-bangkok-1778952168722">Eight killed, 32 injured as freight train hits bus at rail crossing in Bangkok</a>&nbsp;The unearthing of this interstate Lashkar module comes nearly six months after the Srinagar Police busted the “Al Falah module” in November 2025, uncovering a network comprising highly educated professionals, mostly doctors, who had been radicalised to carry out terrorist activities.&nbsp;One of the accused was Al Falah University’s Dr Umer-un Nabi, who detonated an explosives-laden car outside the Red Fort on November 10 last year, killing more than a dozen people.&nbsp;

Lashkar terrorist Mohammed Usman Jatt, alias ‘Chinese’ told NIA officials that he had been dealing with severe hair loss for years, which had deeply impacted his self-esteem. Though he had heard about hair restoration procedures, he thought they were a luxury available only in the West.

A Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist from Pakistan, who infiltrated into India to set up sleeper cells outside Jammu and Kashmir, found life in the Valley entirely different from what he had been told during terror training in Pakistan and even underwent hair restoration treatment in Srinagar, as he had been dealing with severe hair loss for years. Mohammed Usman Jatt, alias ‘Chinese’, who was arrested last month by the Srinagar Police, told National Investigation Agency (NIA) interrogators that he had been tasked with carrying out terror attacks in India by setting up sleeper cells outside Jammu and Kashmir. NIA officials said on Sunday that during questioning, Jatt also revealed that he had undergone a hair transplant in Srinagar after crossing over. Jatt, a native of Lahore, told NIA officials that his objectives “shifted entirely” after he witnessed the reality of daily life in Kashmir. He further said he had been dealing with severe hair loss for years, which had “deeply impacted” his self-esteem. Though he had heard about hair restoration procedures, he thought they were a luxury available only in the West. Also Read: US demanding concessions in counterproposal it failed to achieve through war: Iran media Jatt told interrogators that during his stay in the upper hills of Srinagar, he was introduced to Pakistani terrorists Zargam and Abdullah alias “Abu Huraira.” Zargam took him to a shop, where, during a conversation, the owner revealed that he had undergone a hair transplant. Thereafter, the terrorist continued to visit the shop owner and finally managed to convince him to help arrange a hair transplant. The Lashkar operative was taken to a clinic in Srinagar, where the procedure was carried out. At times, he had to stay overnight in the clinic for the procedure. After the procedure, Jutt and Abdullah, alias Abu Hureira, the longest-surviving Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, boarded a passenger vehicle to Jammu and later took a sleeper bus to Malerkotla, Punjab. There, he spent time watching Turkish television shows and trying to learn English. Also Read: Hamas chief who replaced Mohd Sinwar and helped plan Oct. 7 attacks killed, says Israel NIA officials said Jatt also revealed the names of people with whom he had stayed, which led the Srinagar police to bust the entire racket of overground workers (OGWs) of the terror group operating in North Kashmir and Srinagar city. Jatt further revealed that he wanted to obtain Aadhaar and PAN cards and eventually a passport to escape from India like Umar, alias “Khargosh”, who managed to secure a passport and flee to Indonesia. Umar, a resident of Karachi in Pakistan, is believed to have used another forged travel document in Indonesia to relocate to a Gulf country. He had procured a forged passport from Jaipur, Rajasthan, in 2024. Also Read: Eight killed, 32 injured as freight train hits bus at rail crossing in Bangkok The unearthing of this interstate Lashkar module comes nearly six months after the Srinagar Police busted the “Al Falah module” in November 2025, uncovering a network comprising highly educated professionals, mostly doctors, who had been radicalised to carry out terrorist activities. One of the accused was Al Falah University’s Dr Umer-un Nabi, who detonated an explosives-laden car outside the Red Fort on November 10 last year, killing more than a dozen people.

Lashkar terrorist Mohammed Usman Jatt, alias ‘Chinese’ told NIA officials that he had been dealing with severe hair loss for years, which had deeply impacted his self-esteem. Though he had heard about hair restoration procedures, he thought they were a luxury available only in the West.

Pakistani Lashkar terrorist infiltrates to set up sleeper cells, gets hair transplant done in Srinagar

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s close aide, Rana Sanaullah, has brought the spotlight back to the known-but-denied nexus between Pakistan’s political leadership and terror outfits after he was spotted with Talha Saeed, son of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed, at a wedding in Faisalabad. A photograph of Rana Sanaullah with Talha Saeed has been widely shared on social media and has gone viral.&nbsp;In the photograph, Sanaullah, who is PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Adviser on Political Affairs, is seen greeting and shaking hands with Talha Saeed.&nbsp;&nbsp;The photograph reveals how individuals associated with terror outfits continue to remain openly visible and flaunt their influence despite global sanctions.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-troops-will-be-good-food-for-persian-gulf-sharks-iran-again-warns-against-ground-assault-1774813142373">‘US troops will be good food for Persian Gulf sharks’: Iran again warns against ground assault</a>&nbsp;Talha Saeed is the son of Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Both Hafez and Talha have been sanctioned by India, the US, and the United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;Hafiz Saeed is officially serving a prison sentence in Pakistan but has often been reported to move freely within the country. Talha Saeed has been designated a terrorist by India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).Hafiz, who is among India’s most wanted terrorists, has also been named in the 2019 Pulwama attack case. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed several cases against him, linking him to terror financing and activities in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-military-days-away-from-hitting-all-its-top-priority-targets-in-iran-1774788156871">Israeli military just days away from hitting all its ‘top priority’ targets in Iran, says IDF spokesperson</a>&nbsp;And this is not the first time when a terrorist has been seen sharing a stage with a Pakistani politician.In May 2025, a huge gathering in Kasur in Pakistan’s Punjab province saw several Pakistani ministers with LeT-linked figures, including Pahalgam attack accused Saifullah Kasuri and Talha Saeed, exposing a deep state-terror nexus.&nbsp;The photo of Sanaullah and Talha Saeed appeared days after a US Congressional Research Service report said Pakistan continues to provide safe haven to multiple terrorist groups, including those targeting India. The report said that despite years of military operations and policy interventions, terror outfits continue to operate on Pakistani soil.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-strongly-considering-pulling-us-out-of-nato-warns-alliance-is-a-paper-tiger-amid-iran-war-1775044224815">Trump ‘strongly considering’ pulling US out of NATO, warns alliance is a ‘paper tiger’ amid Iran war</a>&nbsp;It also underlined that several India-focused groups, like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), linked to the 2001 Parliament attack, remain active in Pakistan.The report identified LeT, JeM, Harkat-ul Jihad Islami, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and Hizbul Mujahideen, saying they continue to function from Pakistani territory.&nbsp;Despite repeated crackdowns and policy measures, groups designated as terrorist organisations by the US and the UN have not been fully dismantled in Pakistan.The report also pointed out a sharp rise in terror incidents within Pakistan in recent years.

The photo of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s aide Rana Sanaullah and LeT founder Hafiz Saeed's son Talha Saeed appeared days after a US Congressional Research Service report said Pakistan continues to provide safe haven to multiple terrorist groups.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s close aide, Rana Sanaullah, has brought the spotlight back to the known-but-denied nexus between Pakistan’s political leadership and terror outfits after he was spotted with Talha Saeed, son of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed, at a wedding in Faisalabad. A photograph of Rana Sanaullah with Talha Saeed has been widely shared on social media and has gone viral. In the photograph, Sanaullah, who is PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Adviser on Political Affairs, is seen greeting and shaking hands with Talha Saeed. The photograph reveals how individuals associated with terror outfits continue to remain openly visible and flaunt their influence despite global sanctions. Also Read: ‘US troops will be good food for Persian Gulf sharks’: Iran again warns against ground assault Talha Saeed is the son of Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Both Hafez and Talha have been sanctioned by India, the US, and the United Nations Security Council. Hafiz Saeed is officially serving a prison sentence in Pakistan but has often been reported to move freely within the country. Talha Saeed has been designated a terrorist by India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Hafiz, who is among India’s most wanted terrorists, has also been named in the 2019 Pulwama attack case. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed several cases against him, linking him to terror financing and activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Also Read: Israeli military just days away from hitting all its ‘top priority’ targets in Iran, says IDF spokesperson And this is not the first time when a terrorist has been seen sharing a stage with a Pakistani politician. In May 2025, a huge gathering in Kasur in Pakistan’s Punjab province saw several Pakistani ministers with LeT-linked figures, including Pahalgam attack accused Saifullah Kasuri and Talha Saeed, exposing a deep state-terror nexus. The photo of Sanaullah and Talha Saeed appeared days after a US Congressional Research Service report said Pakistan continues to provide safe haven to multiple terrorist groups, including those targeting India. The report said that despite years of military operations and policy interventions, terror outfits continue to operate on Pakistani soil. Also Read: Trump ‘strongly considering’ pulling US out of NATO, warns alliance is a ‘paper tiger’ amid Iran war It also underlined that several India-focused groups, like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), linked to the 2001 Parliament attack, remain active in Pakistan. The report identified LeT, JeM, Harkat-ul Jihad Islami, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and Hizbul Mujahideen, saying they continue to function from Pakistani territory. Despite repeated crackdowns and policy measures, groups designated as terrorist organisations by the US and the UN have not been fully dismantled in Pakistan. The report also pointed out a sharp rise in terror incidents within Pakistan in recent years.

The photo of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s aide Rana Sanaullah and LeT founder Hafiz Saeed's son Talha Saeed appeared days after a US Congressional Research Service report said Pakistan continues to provide safe haven to multiple terrorist groups.

Political-terror nexus unmasked: Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif’s aide spotted with Hafiz Saeed’s son Talha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Dec 13) paid homage to the security personnel who laid down their lives in the 2001 Parliament attack. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, and other senior parliamentarians also paid tribute to the security personnel who laid down their lives in the 2001 Parliament terror attack. The tributes saw participation of both NDA and Opposition leaders on the 24th anniversary of the dastardly attack on the Indian Parliament.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-officer-appointed-as-mauritius-national-security-advisor-who-is-ips-rahul-rasgotra-1765622626734">Indian officer appointed as Mauritius national security advisor; Who is IPS Rahul Rasgotra?</a>&nbsp;Paying homage to the fallen heroes, President Droupadi Murmu said, the nation remains indebted to them and their families.&nbsp;Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation by protecting the Indian parliament during the heinous terrorist attack."Saluting the brave who laid down their lives on 13 December 2001 to protect the temple of democracy during the terrorist attack on the Parliament House. Their sacrifice for the protection of the nation will always be remembered." Gadkari said. Remembering the bravehearts, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar vowed to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Pay homage to the martyrs of the dastardly terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament this day in 2001. Their bravery reinforces our determination to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-we-want-made-in-india-aircraft-aviation-minister-tells-lok-sabha-says-govt-can-cap-airfares-only-in-extraordinary-situations-1765550757769">‘We want Made-in-India aircraft’: Aviation Minister tells Lok Sabha, says govt can cap airfares only in extraordinary situations</a>&nbsp; On December 13, 2001, India’s Parliament came under a major terrorist attack when five heavily armed militants linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) stormed the complex in New Delhi. The attackers opened indiscriminate fire, triggering a prolonged gun battle with security forces.&nbsp;Fourteen people, including security personnel and a civilian, were killed. The attack occurred about 40 minutes after Parliament was adjourned, averting a larger catastrophe.

On December 13, 2001, India’s Parliament came under a major terrorist attack when five heavily armed militants linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) stormed the complex in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Dec 13) paid homage to the security personnel who laid down their lives in the 2001 Parliament attack. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, and other senior parliamentarians also paid tribute to the security personnel who laid down their lives in the 2001 Parliament terror attack. The tributes saw participation of both NDA and Opposition leaders on the 24th anniversary of the dastardly attack on the Indian Parliament. Also Read: Indian officer appointed as Mauritius national security advisor; Who is IPS Rahul Rasgotra? Paying homage to the fallen heroes, President Droupadi Murmu said, the nation remains indebted to them and their families. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation by protecting the Indian parliament during the heinous terrorist attack."Saluting the brave who laid down their lives on 13 December 2001 to protect the temple of democracy during the terrorist attack on the Parliament House. Their sacrifice for the protection of the nation will always be remembered." Gadkari said. Remembering the bravehearts, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar vowed to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Pay homage to the martyrs of the dastardly terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament this day in 2001. Their bravery reinforces our determination to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations." Also Read: ‘We want Made-in-India aircraft’: Aviation Minister tells Lok Sabha, says govt can cap airfares only in extraordinary situations On December 13, 2001, India’s Parliament came under a major terrorist attack when five heavily armed militants linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) stormed the complex in New Delhi. The attackers opened indiscriminate fire, triggering a prolonged gun battle with security forces. Fourteen people, including security personnel and a civilian, were killed. The attack occurred about 40 minutes after Parliament was adjourned, averting a larger catastrophe.

On December 13, 2001, India’s Parliament came under a major terrorist attack when five heavily armed militants linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) stormed the complex in New Delhi.

Parliament attack anniversary: PM Modi, LoP Rahul Gandhi, parliamentarians pay tribute to fallen heroes

New Delhi has slammed Pakistan for mainstreaming extremists in local politics after reports emerged that the son of UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, had entered the political fray ahead of general elections next year.

As per media reports, Talha Saeed, the son of UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed, is looking to contest elections slated to be held in February 2024.

India has condemned this development, warning it could have severe ramifications for regional security.

“The mainstreaming of radical terrorist outfits in Pakistan is nothing new and has been a part of the state policy for a long time. Such developments have serious implications for the security of our region. We will of course continue to monitor all developments that have implications on our national security,’’ Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

<h2>India seeking Hafiz Saeed’s extradition</h2>

This development comes at a time when India is seeking Hafiz Saeed’s extradition from India, who is believed to be one of the main masterminds behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

On Hafiz Saeed, the MEA said, “We have conveyed a request, along with relevant supporting documents, to the government of Pakistan to extradite him to India to face trial in a particular case.’’

<h2>Pakistan&nbsp;denies requests, says no extradition treaty&nbsp;</h2>

As expected, Islamabad denied India’s request, citing the lack of any bilateral treaty governing such extraditions.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said, “Pakistan has received a request from the Indian authorities, seeking extradition of Hafiz Saeed in a so-called money laundering case.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-caretaker-pm-kakar-announces-ban-on-new-year-celebrations-heres-why-674761">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan caretaker PM Kakar announces ban on New Year celebrations, here`s why</a>

The spokesperson added, “It’s pertinent to note that no bilateral extradition treaty exists between Pakistan and India.”

<h2>About Talha Saeed</h2>

Talha Saeed is also designated as a terrorist by India since last year.&nbsp;

He is a senior leader of leader of terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and head of its cleric wing.

Watch: Gravitas | 26/11 accused's son to run for office in Pakistan

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Talha has been actively involved in the recruitment, fund collection, planning and execution of attacks by LeT in India and on Indian interests in Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies)

New Delhi has slammed Pakistan for mainstreaming extremists in local politics after reports emerged that the son of UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, had entered the political fray ahead of general elections next year.

New Delhi has slammed Pakistan for mainstreaming extremists in local politics after reports emerged that the son of UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, had entered the political fray ahead of general elections next year. As per media reports, Talha Saeed, the son of UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed, is looking to contest elections slated to be held in February 2024. India has condemned this development, warning it could have severe ramifications for regional security. “The mainstreaming of radical terrorist outfits in Pakistan is nothing new and has been a part of the state policy for a long time. Such developments have serious implications for the security of our region. We will of course continue to monitor all developments that have implications on our national security,’’ Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. India seeking Hafiz Saeed’s extradition This development comes at a time when India is seeking Hafiz Saeed’s extradition from India, who is believed to be one of the main masterminds behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks. On Hafiz Saeed, the MEA said, “We have conveyed a request, along with relevant supporting documents, to the government of Pakistan to extradite him to India to face trial in a particular case.’’ Pakistan denies requests, says no extradition treaty As expected, Islamabad denied India’s request, citing the lack of any bilateral treaty governing such extraditions. Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said, “Pakistan has received a request from the Indian authorities, seeking extradition of Hafiz Saeed in a so-called money laundering case.” Also read: Pakistan caretaker PM Kakar announces ban on New Year celebrations, here`s why The spokesperson added, “It’s pertinent to note that no bilateral extradition treaty exists between Pakistan and India.” About Talha Saeed Talha Saeed is also designated as a terrorist by India since last year. He is a senior leader of leader of terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and head of its cleric wing. Watch: Gravitas | 26/11 accused's son to run for office in Pakistan × Talha has been actively involved in the recruitment, fund collection, planning and execution of attacks by LeT in India and on Indian interests in Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Son of UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed to contest polls, India slams development

In a big win for the Indian government, a US court in California approved the extradition of Pakistani-Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana to India where he is sought for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.

In a big win for the Indian government, a US court in California approved the extradition of Pakistani-Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana to India where he is sought for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. This development comes after a US court in April dismissed a status conference motion moved by Rana, stating that it anticipates a ruling on his extradition to India within 30 days. Rana, 62, is said to be linked with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and was arrested in the US for his role in the Mumbai terror attack which saw 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists storm buildings in Mumbai, killing more than 160 people, including six Americans, in a 60-hour siege. Out of the 10 terrorists responsible for the attack, nine were killed and Ajmal Kasab was the only terrorist arrested alive by police. He was later hanged in Pune's Yerawada jail on November 21, 2012 after conviction and being sentenced to death. On June 10, 2020, the Indian government sought the provisional arrest of Rana with a view towards extradition. And the request for the extradition was supported and approved by Washington. Who is Tahawwur Rana? Tahawwur Rana is a Canadian businessman of Pakistani descent. He was born in 1961 in Chichawatni in Pakistan's Punjab province. Rana is a physician by profession and served as a captain-general duty practitioner in the Pakistan Army medical corps. ALSO READ | Pakistan yet to deliver justice for 26/11 attacks, engages in hostile propaganda: India's MEA annual report Rana and his wife, who is also a physician, immigrated to Canada in 1997 and obtained Canadian citizenship in 2001. The couple lived primarily in Chicago and owned several businesses, including an immigration service agency. Rana is said to be linked with the ISI and was arrested in the US for his role in the 26/11 attack. His arrest (in the US) was made at India's request as per the 1997 Extradition Treaty between the two countries. In 2011, he was convicted in Chicago of providing material support to the LeT, which planned the Mumbai terror attacks. The court proceedings Judge Jacqueline Chooljian, US Magistrate Judge of the US District Court Central District of California said in an order dated May 16 that based on the foregoing, the court concluded that Tahawwur Rana was extraditable for the offences for which the extradition had been requested and on which the US was proceeding, the news agency ANI reported. "The court has reviewed and considered all of the documents submitted in support of and in opposition to the Request and has considered the arguments presented at the hearing," the 48-page court order said. "Based on such review and consideration and for the reasons discussed herein, the court makes the findings set forth below and certifies to the Secretary of State of the US the extraditability of Rana on the charged offences that are the subject of the Request," the order added. According to Judge Chooljian, India accused Rana of offences including waging war, committing to a terrorist act and issued an arrest warrant, on which the US is also proceeding. Rana would be charged with the following offences: > conspiracy to wage war, to commit murder, to commit forgery for cheating, to use as genuine a forged document or electronic record, and to commit a terrorist act > waging war > murder > committing a terrorist act > conspiracy to commit a terrorist act Rana's friendship with David Headley During his college days, Tahawwur Rana befriended David Headley, an American terrorist who was involved with the LeT. During the court proceedings, federal prosecutors argued that Rana was aware that his friend Headley was involved with the LeT, and helped him in scouting locations and landing zones in Mumbai for carrying out the attacks. The 62-year-old was aware of what was discussed in Headley's meetings, including the planning of the attacks as well as the targets. Rana was also accused of allowing Headley to open a branch of his Chicago-based immigration law business in Mumbai as a cover and travel as a representative of Denmark. Where is David Headley now? David Headley, a US-Pakistani national, was involved with the LeT. Headley performed five spying missions in Mumbai to scout targets for the 2008 terror attack. He was arrested at the Chicago airport in October 2009 after being tracked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for more than two months. He is currently serving a 35-year sentence in the US after pleading guilty to 12 international terrorism charges. Rana's extradition contested While the extradition has been contested by Tahawwur Rana's lawyer, judge Chooljian ruled that there is sufficient competent evidence to extradite him. And the court concluded that the 62-year-old is extraditable for offences for which extradition was requested and on which the US is proceeding, ANI reported. The extradition requested for conspiracy to wage war, to commit murder, to commit forgery for the purpose of cheating, to use as genuine a forged document or electronic record, and to commit a terrorist act; waging war; murder; committing a terrorist act; and conspiracy to commit a terrorist act. "It is therefore ordered that Tahawwur Hussain Rana be and remain committed to the custody of the US Marshal pending a final decision on extradition and surrender by the Secretary of State to India for the trial of the offences as to which extradition has been granted pursuant to Title 18, US Code, section 3186 and the Treaty," the judge ruled. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: The case of 2008 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana

Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Abdul Rehman Makki has been blacklisted as a global terrorist by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Makki, who is the deputy chief of the Pakistan-based terror outfit, has been blacklisted under the UN’s ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee. This means his name has been added to the list of individuals and entities subject to assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: China shields Pakistani terrorist at UNSC

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UN in a statement announced, “on 16 January 2023, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida, and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities approved the addition of the entry specified below to its ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List of individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo set out in paragraph 1 of Security Council resolution 2610 (2021) and adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.”&nbsp;

As per the sanctions committee, the LeT deputy chief was involved in planning, raising funds, recruiting and radicalising youth to unleash violence on India; particularly in Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-unsc-eam-jaishankar-slams-china-for-putting-hold-on-listing-of-pakistan-based-terrorist-518815">At UNSC, EAM Jaishankar slams China for putting hold on listing of Pakistan-based terrorist</a>

This comes just months after China blocked a June 2022 attempt by India and the United States to list Makki under the 1267 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council. The two nations have already listed him as a terrorist under their respective domestic laws.&nbsp;

Responding to the news, Indian former Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti, under whose tenure India and the US had made the 2022 pitch, called the listing a “huge success”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-blocks-india-us-proposal-to-designate-pak-based-terrorist-abdul-rehman-makki-under-unsc-sanctions-488989">India slams China for blocking UN listing of Pak based terrorist Makki, calls it 'unfortunate'</a>

Talking to PTI, the former ambassador said, it was the “first terrorist listing proposal by India in the Security Council to be approved and, further, expressly mentioning terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir emanating from Pakistan. India’s presence in the Council and as Chair of the Counter-terrorism Committee has considerably enhanced the focus on terrorism, including cross-border terrorism.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Abdul Rehman Makki has been blacklisted as a global terrorist by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Makki, who is the deputy chief of the Pakistan-based terror outfit, has been blacklisted under the UN’s ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee.

Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Abdul Rehman Makki has been blacklisted as a global terrorist by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Makki, who is the deputy chief of the Pakistan-based terror outfit, has been blacklisted under the UN’s ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee. This means his name has been added to the list of individuals and entities subject to assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo. Watch | Gravitas: China shields Pakistani terrorist at UNSC UN in a statement announced, “on 16 January 2023, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida, and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities approved the addition of the entry specified below to its ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List of individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo set out in paragraph 1 of Security Council resolution 2610 (2021) and adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.” As per the sanctions committee, the LeT deputy chief was involved in planning, raising funds, recruiting and radicalising youth to unleash violence on India; particularly in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Also read | At UNSC, EAM Jaishankar slams China for putting hold on listing of Pakistan-based terrorist This comes just months after China blocked a June 2022 attempt by India and the United States to list Makki under the 1267 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council. The two nations have already listed him as a terrorist under their respective domestic laws. Responding to the news, Indian former Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti, under whose tenure India and the US had made the 2022 pitch, called the listing a “huge success”. Also read | India slams China for blocking UN listing of Pak based terrorist Makki, calls it 'unfortunate' Talking to PTI, the former ambassador said, it was the “first terrorist listing proposal by India in the Security Council to be approved and, further, expressly mentioning terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir emanating from Pakistan. India’s presence in the Council and as Chair of the Counter-terrorism Committee has considerably enhanced the focus on terrorism, including cross-border terrorism.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Huge success' for India's diplomatic efforts: UNSC blacklists LeT Dep. chief Abdul Makki as global terrorist

The Afghanistan government has informed the Indian side that Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba is shifting base inside the country. The development comes even as the Taliban makes territorial gains in the country and the fear is that ungoverned places may be used by international terror groups.

India has been in several private meetings with various regional capitals and has been raising this issue, especially the use of these places by Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. "The trend we have seen for last one year is that Pakistan has been trying to shift&nbsp;all these international terror groups out north and south Waziristan into Afghanistan,"&nbsp;officials said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-warns-of-unprecedented-afghan-civilian-deaths-due-to-taliban-offensives-400723" hreflang="en">UN warns of 'unprecedented' Afghan civilian deaths due to Taliban offensives</a> 
&nbsp; 
Earlier this month, publically slamming Pakistan, Afghan President Ghani pointed out that "more than 10,000 jihadi fighters entered the country from Pakistan in the last month". He made the comments in the presence of Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the Uzbekistan connectivity summit to show&nbsp;a sense of frustration in dealing with Islamabad.

It has now emerged that the number of fighters killed in Afghanistan in the past few weeks had Pakistani ID cards and many of the injured Taliban members are being treated in Pakistani hospitals. Calls have been also made from madrasas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to join "Jihad" in Afghanistan.

Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and&nbsp;China have all been concerned about ungoverned places in Afghanistan that may be used by international terror groups. Uzbekistan is worried that territory might be used by militant Islamist group Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and&nbsp;China is worried about&nbsp;East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) gaining a foothold in these ungoverned places.

The Afghanistan government has informed the Indian side that Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba is shifting base inside the country. The development comes even as the Taliban makes territorial gains in the country and the fear is that ungoverned places may be used by international terror groups.

The Afghanistan government has informed the Indian side that Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba is shifting base inside the country. The development comes even as the Taliban makes territorial gains in the country and the fear is that ungoverned places may be used by international terror groups. India has been in several private meetings with various regional capitals and has been raising this issue, especially the use of these places by Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. "The trend we have seen for last one year is that Pakistan has been trying to shift all these international terror groups out north and south Waziristan into Afghanistan," officials said. Also read | UN warns of 'unprecedented' Afghan civilian deaths due to Taliban offensives Earlier this month, publically slamming Pakistan, Afghan President Ghani pointed out that "more than 10,000 jihadi fighters entered the country from Pakistan in the last month". He made the comments in the presence of Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the Uzbekistan connectivity summit to show a sense of frustration in dealing with Islamabad. It has now emerged that the number of fighters killed in Afghanistan in the past few weeks had Pakistani ID cards and many of the injured Taliban members are being treated in Pakistani hospitals. Calls have been also made from madrasas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to join "Jihad" in Afghanistan. Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and China have all been concerned about ungoverned places in Afghanistan that may be used by international terror groups. Uzbekistan is worried that territory might be used by militant Islamist group Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and China is worried about East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) gaining a foothold in these ungoverned places.

Pak's Lashkar-e-Taiba shifting base into the country, Afghan tells India

Intelligence inputs have revealed that Pakistan-based terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have joined hands with Afghan insurgent groups like Haqqani Network and Afghan Taliban after the launch of Balakot air strike by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on February 26.

It is indicated that these terror groups are shifting their base in Afghanistan near the international border in areas including Kandahar and Kunar.

The IAF jets attacked JeM's terror camp in Balakot after the February 14 attack by a suicide bomber on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sources reveal that Pakistan-based terror outfits are shifting their base across the border in Afghanistan to avoid blacklisting of Pakistan by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) later this year.

Pakistan remains on the grey list of FATF, a global terror financing watchdog which has asked Islamabad to take steps to curb money laundering and terror financing.

India wanted Pakistan to be placed on the blacklist, a move that would negatively impact Pakistan's economy.

After facing intense international pressure, the Pakistan-based terror outfits are hiding in safe havens in Taliban-dominated areas in Afghanistan. They are even posing a threat to the Indian diplomatic establishments, including the Indian Embassy in Kabul.

Intelligence sources reveal that the Indian consulate in Kandahar has been kept on high alert against a Taliban attack.

The revelation about JeM and LeT treats in Afghanistan came after the arrest of Jaish terrorists Sediq Akbar and Ataullah by Afghan National Security Force from Jalalabad earlier this year.

Sources also reveal that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unsc-hails-masood-azhars-designation-as-global-terrorist-a-notable-achievement-220333">JeM chief Masood Azhar</a> was offered shelter in Afghanistan by the Haqqani Network earlier this year. However, Masood feels safe under the protection of Pakistan Army in Bahawalpur.

A Pentagon report earlier this year revealed that the US considers LeT as one of the greatest threats to Washington and its allied forces in war-torn Afghanistan, where at least 300 fighters from the terror group are active.

Responsible for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the LeT is designated as a global terror organisation by the US and the UN.

The report said that among the 20 prominent terrorist organisations active in Afghanistan, LeT ranks fifth in terms of fighters along with al-Qaeda and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.

The rising footprint of JeM will pose more threats to people and security agencies in Afghanistan.

Intelligence inputs have revealed that Pakistan-based terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have joined hands with Afghan insurgent groups like Haqqani Network and Afghan Taliban after the launch of Balakot air strike by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on February 26.

Intelligence inputs have revealed that Pakistan-based terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have joined hands with Afghan insurgent groups like Haqqani Network and Afghan Taliban after the launch of Balakot air strike by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on February 26. It is indicated that these terror groups are shifting their base in Afghanistan near the international border in areas including Kandahar and Kunar. The IAF jets attacked JeM's terror camp in Balakot after the February 14 attack by a suicide bomber on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. Sources reveal that Pakistan-based terror outfits are shifting their base across the border in Afghanistan to avoid blacklisting of Pakistan by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) later this year. Pakistan remains on the grey list of FATF, a global terror financing watchdog which has asked Islamabad to take steps to curb money laundering and terror financing. India wanted Pakistan to be placed on the blacklist, a move that would negatively impact Pakistan's economy. After facing intense international pressure, the Pakistan-based terror outfits are hiding in safe havens in Taliban-dominated areas in Afghanistan. They are even posing a threat to the Indian diplomatic establishments, including the Indian Embassy in Kabul. Intelligence sources reveal that the Indian consulate in Kandahar has been kept on high alert against a Taliban attack. The revelation about JeM and LeT treats in Afghanistan came after the arrest of Jaish terrorists Sediq Akbar and Ataullah by Afghan National Security Force from Jalalabad earlier this year. Sources also reveal that JeM chief Masood Azhar was offered shelter in Afghanistan by the Haqqani Network earlier this year. However, Masood feels safe under the protection of Pakistan Army in Bahawalpur. A Pentagon report earlier this year revealed that the US considers LeT as one of the greatest threats to Washington and its allied forces in war-torn Afghanistan, where at least 300 fighters from the terror group are active. Responsible for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the LeT is designated as a global terror organisation by the US and the UN. The report said that among the 20 prominent terrorist organisations active in Afghanistan, LeT ranks fifth in terms of fighters along with al-Qaeda and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. The rising footprint of JeM will pose more threats to people and security agencies in Afghanistan.

Pakistan-based terrorists joining hands with Afghan outfits after Balakot strike: Sources

Pakistan's provincial Punjab government has slapped terror financing charges against 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed and trusts run by him.

However, India has rejected actions by Islamabad with one Indian government sources telling WION that "We have seen this 'action' before. Important that it is irreversible and verifiable."

Another Indian official said, "FATF driven actions needed which are not irreversible. We need to move from ‘filing cases’ to sentencing, arresting and imprisoning!"

New Delhi has been asked Islamabad to take credible, verifiable, irreversible and sustainable measures on terror groups and financing of terror from any territory under its control.

The four prominent members of Jamat-ud-Dawa (JUD) mentioned in the cases are Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, Abdul Rehman Makki (brother-in-law of Hafiz Saeed), Ameer Hamza and Mohammad Yahya Aziz.&nbsp;

The main charities listed are Dawat Irshad Trust, Moaz Bin Jabal Trust, Al-Anfaal Trust, Al-Madina Foundation Trust and Al-Hamd Trust who have been operating from major Pakistani cities like Lahore, Gujranwala and Multan.

Speaking to WION, Pakistan's Punjab government official said "cases reveal that these individuals have been involved in raising funds to facilitate terror activities." and "operating under the umbrella of charities, these organizations have been funnelling funds to terror suspects and promoting terrorism".

Cases have been registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Pakistan's Punjab province. If charges against Hafiz Saeed are proven under section 11 of the Anti-terrorism act, he can face up to life imprisonment.

The development comes days after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) decided to keep Islamabad on greylist after missing two deadlines to meet its anti-terror financing commitments.

Speaking at the end of FATF plenary last month in Florida, president of the counter-terror financing body Marshall Billingslea said, "There is absolutely a possibility that Pakistan could be put on the blacklist" if it fails to fullfill its commitments before the next plenary in October in Paris.&nbsp;

Pakistan's provincial Punjab government has slapped terror financing charges against 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed and trusts run by him. However, India has rejected actions by Islamabad with one Indian government sources telling WION that "We have seen this 'action' before.

Pakistan's provincial Punjab government has slapped terror financing charges against 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed and trusts run by him. However, India has rejected actions by Islamabad with one Indian government sources telling WION that "We have seen this 'action' before. Important that it is irreversible and verifiable." Another Indian official said, "FATF driven actions needed which are not irreversible. We need to move from ‘filing cases’ to sentencing, arresting and imprisoning!" New Delhi has been asked Islamabad to take credible, verifiable, irreversible and sustainable measures on terror groups and financing of terror from any territory under its control. The four prominent members of Jamat-ud-Dawa (JUD) mentioned in the cases are Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, Abdul Rehman Makki (brother-in-law of Hafiz Saeed), Ameer Hamza and Mohammad Yahya Aziz. The main charities listed are Dawat Irshad Trust, Moaz Bin Jabal Trust, Al-Anfaal Trust, Al-Madina Foundation Trust and Al-Hamd Trust who have been operating from major Pakistani cities like Lahore, Gujranwala and Multan. Speaking to WION, Pakistan's Punjab government official said "cases reveal that these individuals have been involved in raising funds to facilitate terror activities." and "operating under the umbrella of charities, these organizations have been funnelling funds to terror suspects and promoting terrorism". Cases have been registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Pakistan's Punjab province. If charges against Hafiz Saeed are proven under section 11 of the Anti-terrorism act, he can face up to life imprisonment. The development comes days after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) decided to keep Islamabad on greylist after missing two deadlines to meet its anti-terror financing commitments. Speaking at the end of FATF plenary last month in Florida, president of the counter-terror financing body Marshall Billingslea said, "There is absolutely a possibility that Pakistan could be put on the blacklist" if it fails to fullfill its commitments before the next plenary in October in Paris.

Pakistan slaps terror financing charges against Hafiz Saeed; India says 'have seen this before'

Pakistani authorities on Wednesday&nbsp;announced a crackdown against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hafiz-saeeds-brother-in-law-abdul-rehman-makki-arrested-in-pakistan-218896">Hafiz Saeed</a>, leader of the terrorist group blamed for deadly Mumbai attack in 200 killed 166 people, amid growing international pressure to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-20-terrorist-groups-including-pak-based-let-active-in-afghanistan-un-report-230407"> act against militant groups</a>, reported news agency Reuters.

The report quoting Pakistan's counter-terrorism department said that it had launched 23 cases against Saeed and 12 aides for using five trusts to collect funds and donations for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), blamed by India and the United States for the attacks in Mumbai.

Two banned LeT-linked charities, Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), were also targeted, the department said in a statement.

"All the assets of these organizations and individuals will be frozen and taken over by the state," the report said quoting a counter-terrorism senior official who was&nbsp;speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly.

The action was in accordance with UN sanctions against the individuals and entities, the counter-terrorism department said.

The move follows pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which last year placed Pakistan on its "grey list" of countries with inadequate controls over money laundering and terrorism financing.

The international watchdog gave Pakistan an October deadline last month to improve its efforts against terrorism financing. The FATF has said Pakistan could end up on the blacklist when it reviews progress in a meeting later this year.

Hafiz Saeed, designated a global terrorist by both the United Nations and the United States, is one of the founders of LeT, or the Army of the Pure.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Pakistani authorities on Wednesday announced a crackdown against Hafiz Saeed, leader of the terrorist group blamed for deadly Mumbai attack in 200 killed 166 people, amid growing international pressure to act against militant groups, reported news agency Reuters.

Pakistani authorities on Wednesday announced a crackdown against Hafiz Saeed, leader of the terrorist group blamed for deadly Mumbai attack in 200 killed 166 people, amid growing international pressure to act against militant groups, reported news agency Reuters. The report quoting Pakistan's counter-terrorism department said that it had launched 23 cases against Saeed and 12 aides for using five trusts to collect funds and donations for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), blamed by India and the United States for the attacks in Mumbai. Two banned LeT-linked charities, Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), were also targeted, the department said in a statement. "All the assets of these organizations and individuals will be frozen and taken over by the state," the report said quoting a counter-terrorism senior official who was speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly. The action was in accordance with UN sanctions against the individuals and entities, the counter-terrorism department said. The move follows pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which last year placed Pakistan on its "grey list" of countries with inadequate controls over money laundering and terrorism financing. The international watchdog gave Pakistan an October deadline last month to improve its efforts against terrorism financing. The FATF has said Pakistan could end up on the blacklist when it reviews progress in a meeting later this year. Hafiz Saeed, designated a global terrorist by both the United Nations and the United States, is one of the founders of LeT, or the Army of the Pure. (With inputs from Reuters)

Pakistan announces terrorism finance crackdown on Lashkar-e-Taiba amid growing international pressure 

On the eve of the 10th anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks the United States has again asked Pakistan to act on Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the terror group behind the attacks .&nbsp;

In a response to WION's questions, Pentagon spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Koné Faulkner said, "We continue to press Pakistan to indiscriminately target all terrorist groups, including the Haqqani Network and LeT."

When asked on Pakistan's role in Afghanistan, Faulkner said, "No country has more to gain than Pakistan from a peaceful Afghanistan. &nbsp;We continue to call on Pakistan to arrest, expel or bring the Taliban leadership to the negotiating table.".

This&nbsp;development comes days after US President Donald Trump slammed Pakistan in an interview to FOX News for not doing enough on terror and providing safe haven to 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden.&nbsp;

US President has also lashed out at Pakistan on Twitter saying &nbsp;we paid "Pakistan Billions of Dollars &amp; they never told us he was living there."

In daring raid from across the border in Afghanistan,&nbsp;US special forces killed Osama Bin Laden inside his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan on&nbsp;April 2, 2011.

Pentagon also confirmed that it has suspended aid to Pakistan saying that last January "the Coalition Support Funds (CSF) security assistance the US provides to Pakistan was suspended" and this "suspension remains in place totalling approximately $1.66 billion in security assistance to Pakistan that has been frozen to date."

During his interview to Fox earlier this week, Trump said that aid was cut since Pakistan doesn't "do a damn thing" for united states.

The relationship between US and Pakistan are on the downward spiral due to Islamabad's inability to rein in on terror groups on its territory. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has been saying that Washington has been trying to make Islamabad a scapegoat due to its failure in Afghanistan.

On the eve of the 10th anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks the United States has again asked Pakistan to act on Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the terror group behind the attacks .

On the eve of the 10th anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks the United States has again asked Pakistan to act on Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the terror group behind the attacks . In a response to WION's questions, Pentagon spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Koné Faulkner said, "We continue to press Pakistan to indiscriminately target all terrorist groups, including the Haqqani Network and LeT." When asked on Pakistan's role in Afghanistan, Faulkner said, "No country has more to gain than Pakistan from a peaceful Afghanistan. We continue to call on Pakistan to arrest, expel or bring the Taliban leadership to the negotiating table.". This development comes days after US President Donald Trump slammed Pakistan in an interview to FOX News for not doing enough on terror and providing safe haven to 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden. US President has also lashed out at Pakistan on Twitter saying we paid "Pakistan Billions of Dollars & they never told us he was living there." In daring raid from across the border in Afghanistan, US special forces killed Osama Bin Laden inside his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan on April 2, 2011. Pentagon also confirmed that it has suspended aid to Pakistan saying that last January "the Coalition Support Funds (CSF) security assistance the US provides to Pakistan was suspended" and this "suspension remains in place totalling approximately $1.66 billion in security assistance to Pakistan that has been frozen to date." During his interview to Fox earlier this week, Trump said that aid was cut since Pakistan doesn't "do a damn thing" for united states. The relationship between US and Pakistan are on the downward spiral due to Islamabad's inability to rein in on terror groups on its territory. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has been saying that Washington has been trying to make Islamabad a scapegoat due to its failure in Afghanistan.

US asks Pakistan to act against Lashkar-e-Taiba ahead of 10th anniversary of 26/11

The Pakistan Army appears to have taken its game of 'good and bad' terrorists to a new level.

According to a commentary published in the web site of the European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS), there exists a nexus between the judiciary, the army and Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jamaat-ud-Dawa de facto head Hafiz Saeed, wherein, "Good terrorists are set to become the lawmakers of tomorrow."

It may be recalled that in October 2017, Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said, "That the State was working on a 'mainstreaming' programme to induct members of armed groups into the political process..".

The EFSAS commentary clearly visualizes this as terrorists and terrorists-linked groups being integrated into Pakistan's country's mainstream politics with the aim, according to the Major General, "to develop a constructive role for them.".

It does not seem to matter that recently created political entities such as the Milli Muslim League (MML) and the Tehreek-i-Azad-i-Kashmir (TAK), both Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) fronts with Hafiz Saeed as the de facto head, have been added to the lists of Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) by the US State Department on April 3, 2018. It also does not seem to matter that the US Treasury Department has also designated seven MML members as terrorists.

The courts of Pakistan seem to think differently. On the same day that the United States amended the designation of TAK and MML as fronts of the terrorist organisation, Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered the Government of Pakistan "...not to harass Hafiz Saeed and to allow him to continue with his 'social welfare activities' until further order.". It is pertinent to note that the same court freed Saeed from house arrest in November 2017, which drew widespread international condemnation.

"Make no mistake: whatever LeT chooses to call itself, it remains a violent terrorist group. The US supports all efforts to ensure that LeT does not have a political voice until it gives up violence as a tool of influence" - Nathan A. Sales, coordinator for counter-terrorism at the US Department of State, said.

Hafiz Saeed has been named as the mastermind of the Mumbai attack in 2008 in which more than 160 people lost their lives. The international community, led by the United Nations and the United States, has declared Hafiz Saeed a global terrorist. In 2012, the US placed a $10 million bounty on him.

From Field Marshal Ayub Khan (President of Pakistan from 1958-1969) to General Pervez Musharraf (President of Pakistan from 2001-2008) and in between, the Pakistani Army has a history of working in tandem with the courts of Pakistan, aimed at legitimising the military's unconstitutional actions.

In Pakistan, the army has a history of overshadowing the political landscape. The civilian government in reality has very limited authority or control over critical matters of national importance such as foreign policy and security. Courts have been instrumental in engineering political outcomes and recent developments suggest that they will play a pre-emptive role in guarding 'strategic interests', vital for the country's foreign policy and security, concludes the EFSAS commentary.&nbsp

In Pakistan, the army has a history of overshadowing the political landscape. The civilian government, in reality, has very limited authority or control over critical matters of national importance such as foreign policy and security

The Pakistan Army appears to have taken its game of 'good and bad' terrorists to a new level. According to a commentary published in the web site of the European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS), there exists a nexus between the judiciary, the army and Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jamaat-ud-Dawa de facto head Hafiz Saeed, wherein, "Good terrorists are set to become the lawmakers of tomorrow." It may be recalled that in October 2017, Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said, "That the State was working on a 'mainstreaming' programme to induct members of armed groups into the political process..". The EFSAS commentary clearly visualizes this as terrorists and terrorists-linked groups being integrated into Pakistan's country's mainstream politics with the aim, according to the Major General, "to develop a constructive role for them.". It does not seem to matter that recently created political entities such as the Milli Muslim League (MML) and the Tehreek-i-Azad-i-Kashmir (TAK), both Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) fronts with Hafiz Saeed as the de facto head, have been added to the lists of Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) by the US State Department on April 3, 2018. It also does not seem to matter that the US Treasury Department has also designated seven MML members as terrorists. The courts of Pakistan seem to think differently. On the same day that the United States amended the designation of TAK and MML as fronts of the terrorist organisation, Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered the Government of Pakistan "...not to harass Hafiz Saeed and to allow him to continue with his 'social welfare activities' until further order.". It is pertinent to note that the same court freed Saeed from house arrest in November 2017, which drew widespread international condemnation. "Make no mistake: whatever LeT chooses to call itself, it remains a violent terrorist group. The US supports all efforts to ensure that LeT does not have a political voice until it gives up violence as a tool of influence" - Nathan A. Sales, coordinator for counter-terrorism at the US Department of State, said. Hafiz Saeed has been named as the mastermind of the Mumbai attack in 2008 in which more than 160 people lost their lives. The international community, led by the United Nations and the United States, has declared Hafiz Saeed a global terrorist. In 2012, the US placed a $10 million bounty on him. From Field Marshal Ayub Khan (President of Pakistan from 1958-1969) to General Pervez Musharraf (President of Pakistan from 2001-2008) and in between, the Pakistani Army has a history of working in tandem with the courts of Pakistan, aimed at legitimising the military's unconstitutional actions. In Pakistan, the army has a history of overshadowing the political landscape. The civilian government in reality has very limited authority or control over critical matters of national importance such as foreign policy and security. Courts have been instrumental in engineering political outcomes and recent developments suggest that they will play a pre-emptive role in guarding 'strategic interests', vital for the country's foreign policy and security, concludes the EFSAS commentary.

Pak Army, courts giving political legitimacy to Saeed, others

A Delhi Court on Wednesday granted bail to Bilal Ahmad Kawa, a suspect in the terror attack at the Red Fort in 2000.

Additional Sessions Judge Sidharth Sharma granted bail to Ahmad, asking him to furnish a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and a surety of like amount.

The special cell of Delhi and Gujarat police&#39;s anti-terror squad arrested Bilal Ahmed Kawa, the man behind the Red Fort attack, last month.

Kawa was a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative and was arrested at the Delhi airport.&nbsp;As per reports, Kawa had been in contact with LeT operative Ashfaq, alias Mohammed Aarif, who was the brain behind the attack.&nbsp;

Kawa, 37, had come to Delhi from Srinagar via a Jet Airways flight and was stopped at IGI Airport by cops who had prior information about his travel plans, reports said.&nbsp;

He had been hiding in Kashmir under a different identity for a long time, reports said. He was lodged in Tihar Jail along with 10 others who have been convicted in the case.

On 22 December 2000, a terrorist attack carried out by six LeT operatives took place on Red Fort in Delhi, India, which claimed three lives.

Additional Sessions Judge Sidharth Sharma granted bail to Ahmad, asking him to furnish a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and a surety of like amount

A Delhi Court on Wednesday granted bail to Bilal Ahmad Kawa, a suspect in the terror attack at the Red Fort in 2000. Additional Sessions Judge Sidharth Sharma granted bail to Ahmad, asking him to furnish a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and a surety of like amount. The special cell of Delhi and Gujarat police's anti-terror squad arrested Bilal Ahmed Kawa, the man behind the Red Fort attack, last month. Kawa was a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative and was arrested at the Delhi airport. As per reports, Kawa had been in contact with LeT operative Ashfaq, alias Mohammed Aarif, who was the brain behind the attack. Kawa, 37, had come to Delhi from Srinagar via a Jet Airways flight and was stopped at IGI Airport by cops who had prior information about his travel plans, reports said. He had been hiding in Kashmir under a different identity for a long time, reports said. He was lodged in Tihar Jail along with 10 others who have been convicted in the case. On 22 December 2000, a terrorist attack carried out by six LeT operatives took place on Red Fort in Delhi, India, which claimed three lives.

2000 Red Fort attack: Suspect granted bail

The special cell of Delhi and Gujarat police&#39;s anti-terror squad have finally arrested the man behind the Red Fort attack, after 17 years.&nbsp;

The man, identified as Bilal Ahmed Kawa, was a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative and was arrested at the Delhi airport on Wednesday night.&nbsp;

Kawa, 37, had come to Delhi from Srinagar via a Jet Airways flight and was stopped at IGI Airport by cops who had prior information about his travel plans, reports said.&nbsp;

As per reports, Kawa had been in contact with LeT operative Ashfaq, alias Mohammed Aarif, who was the brain&nbsp;behind the attack.&nbsp;

Kawa had been hiding in Kashmir under a different identity for a long time, reports said.&nbsp;

Ashfaq, who belongs to Abbottabad in Pakistan, had been awarded the death sentence in 2011 but it was later stayed by the Supreme Court.

He is lodged in Tihar Jail along with 10 others who have been convicted in the case

On 22 December 2000, a terrorist attack carried out by six LeT operatives took place on Red Fort in Delhi, India, which claimed three lives.

The man, identified as Bilal Ahmed Kawa, was a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative and had been hiding in Kashmir for many years

The special cell of Delhi and Gujarat police's anti-terror squad have finally arrested the man behind the Red Fort attack, after 17 years. The man, identified as Bilal Ahmed Kawa, was a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative and was arrested at the Delhi airport on Wednesday night. Kawa, 37, had come to Delhi from Srinagar via a Jet Airways flight and was stopped at IGI Airport by cops who had prior information about his travel plans, reports said. As per reports, Kawa had been in contact with LeT operative Ashfaq, alias Mohammed Aarif, who was the brain behind the attack. Kawa had been hiding in Kashmir under a different identity for a long time, reports said. Ashfaq, who belongs to Abbottabad in Pakistan, had been awarded the death sentence in 2011 but it was later stayed by the Supreme Court. He is lodged in Tihar Jail along with 10 others who have been convicted in the case On 22 December 2000, a terrorist attack carried out by six LeT operatives took place on Red Fort in Delhi, India, which claimed three lives.

Suspect in 2000 Red Fort attack arrested at Delhi Airport

The quick deterioration in Indo-Pak relations amid unprecedented turbulence in Kashmir in India has pushed the security establishment on the edge to counter the coming onslaught from a mix of battle hardy foreign terrorists and local militants both along the LoC and within the Valley. 
 
About 60-70 battle-hardened terrorists from the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) are ready to infiltrate into India from eight launch pads in Pak-cantrolled Kashmir (PoK). A sizeable number of them are foreign militants. 
 
Intelligence agencies in India say Pakistan&#39;s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) had held a meeting with the United Jihad Council (UJC) and top LeT, JeM and HuM commanders in Muzzafarabad on August 14 and they have been assigned specific areas to be attacked. 
 
The intelligence inputs suggest that the ISI is pushing in more terrorists through sustained infiltration and funneling money through various channels. The fresh lot of terrorists carry far more sophisticated arms and technological equipment than seen earlier. 
 
Security forces are expecting intensified attacks both along the LoC and on Indian Army bunker camps that check infiltration bids inside the Valley. 
 
On Tuesday, Indian home minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir with national security adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, Indian home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and chiefs of intelligence agencies and other top civil and security officials. But news from Kashmir was bad: four civilian casualties were reported from the rather peaceful central region. 
 
Singh cautioned security forces to keep casualties, both civilian and security personnel, to the bare minimum. 
 
Unverified inputs suggest that the ISI has already succeeded in infiltrating hardened Afghani terrorists, who specialise in lethal attacks on the army, into Kashmir, and is trying to push even more to increase the heat in the valley. 
 
Agencies are increasingly becoming wary of a situation, where a deadly cocktail of battle-hardened foreign terrorists and local Hizbul militants can play havoc in the valley. 
 
What is troubling the agencies even more is that intelligence-based counter-insurgency operations within the valley have almost come to a standstill since the last one month. The cloak-and-dagger network of informants has turned cold to a great extent due to the massive uprising, in which demarcation between &quot;with us or against us&quot; has become far too clear. 
 
Worse still, the massive turbulence has upset the counterinsurgency (CI) grid so much, that security forces have, for the first time in 26 years, suspended all operations in the Kashmir plains. 
 
The CRPF operation in Nowhatta, in downtown Srinagar on August 15, in which commandant Pramod Kumar was martyred, stands out as the lone CI operation in the past one and a half months. 
 
While the Indian Army intercepted the infiltrating militants and neutralised some of them in Nowgam and Machhil sectors on the LoC, suffering collateral damage, not a single raid or counterinsurgency operation was conducted in the plains in the last one month. 
 
Facing paucity of resources in the face of massive unrest, all field units have been directed to maintain only vigil over the activities and movement of militants and avoid raids or counterinsurgency operations in populated areas &quot;during the period of turbulence&quot;. 
 
&quot;No reason has been specified, though it is clear enough that operations have been suspended for fear of mob attacks and civilian casualties,&quot; said a senior official. 
 
The official pointed out that, on over a dozen occasions in 2015-16, people of neighbouring villages gathered around the site of Indian Army and Special Operation Group (SOG) operations and disrupted or attempted to disrupt them, particularly in south Kashmir. 
 
On one occasion, people of Padgampora and neighbouring villages in Pulwama district, helped a group of six heavily armed militants to escape from a cordoned area. Reports that a huge assembly of people was planning to storm the EDI complex forced the Indian Army to end the operation quickly on February 22 this year, despite the death of two of its captains. 
 
On certain occasions, sources said, militants covering themselves in civilian demonstrations opened fire on police or security forces who observed restraint, fearing civilian casualties. 
 
&quot;Even on August 9, we spotted three armed militants in a protest demonstration at Lalpora in Lolab area of Kupwara district. We did not strike them as there was every apprehension of civilian casualties,&quot; said an officer of security forces. 
 
(This story first appeared on DNA)&nbsp;

Intelligence inputs suggest that the ISI is pushing in more terrorists through sustained infiltration

The quick deterioration in Indo-Pak relations amid unprecedented turbulence in Kashmir in India has pushed the security establishment on the edge to counter the coming onslaught from a mix of battle hardy foreign terrorists and local militants both along the LoC and within the Valley. About 60-70 battle-hardened terrorists from the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) are ready to infiltrate into India from eight launch pads in Pak-cantrolled Kashmir (PoK). A sizeable number of them are foreign militants. Intelligence agencies in India say Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) had held a meeting with the United Jihad Council (UJC) and top LeT, JeM and HuM commanders in Muzzafarabad on August 14 and they have been assigned specific areas to be attacked. The intelligence inputs suggest that the ISI is pushing in more terrorists through sustained infiltration and funneling money through various channels. The fresh lot of terrorists carry far more sophisticated arms and technological equipment than seen earlier. Security forces are expecting intensified attacks both along the LoC and on Indian Army bunker camps that check infiltration bids inside the Valley. On Tuesday, Indian home minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir with national security adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, Indian home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and chiefs of intelligence agencies and other top civil and security officials. But news from Kashmir was bad: four civilian casualties were reported from the rather peaceful central region. Singh cautioned security forces to keep casualties, both civilian and security personnel, to the bare minimum. Unverified inputs suggest that the ISI has already succeeded in infiltrating hardened Afghani terrorists, who specialise in lethal attacks on the army, into Kashmir, and is trying to push even more to increase the heat in the valley. Agencies are increasingly becoming wary of a situation, where a deadly cocktail of battle-hardened foreign terrorists and local Hizbul militants can play havoc in the valley. What is troubling the agencies even more is that intelligence-based counter-insurgency operations within the valley have almost come to a standstill since the last one month. The cloak-and-dagger network of informants has turned cold to a great extent due to the massive uprising, in which demarcation between "with us or against us" has become far too clear. Worse still, the massive turbulence has upset the counterinsurgency (CI) grid so much, that security forces have, for the first time in 26 years, suspended all operations in the Kashmir plains. The CRPF operation in Nowhatta, in downtown Srinagar on August 15, in which commandant Pramod Kumar was martyred, stands out as the lone CI operation in the past one and a half months. While the Indian Army intercepted the infiltrating militants and neutralised some of them in Nowgam and Machhil sectors on the LoC, suffering collateral damage, not a single raid or counterinsurgency operation was conducted in the plains in the last one month. Facing paucity of resources in the face of massive unrest, all field units have been directed to maintain only vigil over the activities and movement of militants and avoid raids or counterinsurgency operations in populated areas "during the period of turbulence". "No reason has been specified, though it is clear enough that operations have been suspended for fear of mob attacks and civilian casualties," said a senior official. The official pointed out that, on over a dozen occasions in 2015-16, people of neighbouring villages gathered around the site of Indian Army and Special Operation Group (SOG) operations and disrupted or attempted to disrupt them, particularly in south Kashmir. On one occasion, people of Padgampora and neighbouring villages in Pulwama district, helped a group of six heavily armed militants to escape from a cordoned area. Reports that a huge assembly of people was planning to storm the EDI complex forced the Indian Army to end the operation quickly on February 22 this year, despite the death of two of its captains. On certain occasions, sources said, militants covering themselves in civilian demonstrations opened fire on police or security forces who observed restraint, fearing civilian casualties. "Even on August 9, we spotted three armed militants in a protest demonstration at Lalpora in Lolab area of Kupwara district. We did not strike them as there was every apprehension of civilian casualties," said an officer of security forces. (This story first appeared on DNA)

Pak's intelligence agency, terrorists meet to keep Jammu & Kashmir on boil: Indian intelligence