Three Terror Associates With Pakistan Links Nabbed in J&K’s Handwara
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir arrested three terror associates in Handwara’s Qalamabad area during a coordinated operation based on precise intelligence inputs.
The joint cordon-and-search operation, carried out by the J&K Police, the Indian Army, and the CRPF in Wajihama, led to the capture of three individuals linked to handlers operating from Pakistan. The arrested men have been identified as 23-year-old Mohd. Iqbal Pandith, 26-year-old Sajad Ahmad Shah, and 22-year-old Ishfaq Ahmad Malik. Arms, ammunition, and other incriminating materials were seized from them.
A case (FIR No. 30/2025) has been registered at PS Qalamabad under Sections 7/25 IA Act and 13, 18, 23 of the UAPA. Investigations are ongoing to trace additional members of the network.
The arrests follow heightened tensions in the region. On Wednesday, an Indian Army soldier, Hawaldar Ankit, was killed in action while foiling an infiltration attempt along the LoC in the Churunda area of Uri, Baramulla district. The encounter took place amid Operation Akhal, a large-scale security sweep launched on August 1 in south Kashmir’s forests. So far, the operation has resulted in two soldiers killed in action and five terrorists neutralized.
In a separate incident on Monday, the Border Security Force opened fire on a Pakistani intruder attempting to cross the International Border in Kathua district.
