J&K White-Collar Terror Network Busted 2,900kg IED Material Seized

Srinagar – In a major crackdown, Jammu and Kashmir police have dismantled an inter-state and transnational terror module linked to banned groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. The operation exposed a worrying white-collar terrorist ecosystem involving radicalised professionals, including doctors, who were allegedly coordinating terror activities under handlers based in Pakistan and abroad.

Authorities recovered a massive cache of 2,900kg of bomb-making material, including 350kg of ammonium nitrate, assault rifles, handguns, ammunition, and timers. Incriminating documents, including booklets on making improvised explosive devices (IEDs), were also seized from the homes of Mujammil Shakeel, a medical professional in Haryana, and Adil Ahmad Rather, a doctor in Anantnag, J&K.

The raids spanned multiple locations in J&K—Srinagar, Anantnag, Ganderbal, and Shopian—as well as Faridabad near Delhi. Alongside Shakeel and Rather, five other individuals were arrested: Arif Nisar Dar, Yasir-ul-Ashraf, Maqsood Ahmad Dar, Molvi Irfan Ahmad, and Zameer Ahmad Ahanger. Investigators are also focusing on a woman doctor from Al-Falah Hospital, whose car contained one of the recovered assault rifles.

Officials noted that the terror network operated under the guidance of Pakistan-based handlers, carrying out activities ranging from propaganda to logistical support for future attacks. The recovered weapons include an Italian-made Beretta pistol and a Russian-made Krinkov assault rifle, a compact and highly lethal variant of the AK-74.

The operation underscores the growing threat of white-collar terrorism, where highly educated professionals exploit their positions to advance extremist agendas. Authorities are now tracing funding flows and cross-border links to ensure the dismantling of the entire terror network.

Officials confirmed that the 2,900kg of explosive materials—chemicals, batteries, wires, timers, and other IED components—pose significant national security risks. The haul from Faridabad included 350kg of ammonium nitrate, initially feared to be military-grade explosives.

The crackdown comes amid reports of heightened Pakistan-backed terror activity in J&K, with groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish preparing for coordinated strikes, infiltration, and reconnaissance operations. Intelligence sources highlight a growing nexus between Pakistan’s ISI, Lashkar, and IS-Khorasan Province, aiming to destabilise the region further.

This successful operation marks a significant blow to extremist networks in India and highlights the continued vigilance of Indian security agencies against evolving terror threats.