The Union government has designated 23 individuals linked to Pakistan-based militant groups Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The move is part of the Centre’s ongoing counterterrorism strategy aimed at addressing evolving security threats.
According to government officials, the latest designations are intended to strengthen action against individuals allegedly involved in recruitment, financing, training, propaganda and cross-border infiltration linked to militant activities targeting India.
23 Individuals Added to Designated Terrorist List
Of the 23 individuals named:
- 13 are linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), headquartered in Lahore.
- 10 are associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), based in Bahawalpur.
- 16 are Pakistani nationals, while seven are Indian nationals allegedly operating from Pakistan.
Authorities said several of those designated are facing ongoing investigations or have pending arrest warrants in India.
Government Cites Multiple Alleged Roles
According to official information, the designated individuals are alleged to have carried out a range of activities, including:
- Recruitment of operatives.
- Training and logistical support.
- Cross-border infiltration.
- Arms and explosives smuggling.
- Online radicalisation and propaganda through front organisations.
- Coordination of militant operations.
The government said the action forms part of a broader effort to disrupt militant networks before attacks can be planned or executed.
Key Names on the List
Among those designated is Saifullah Khalid, whom Indian authorities describe as a senior leader associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and its affiliate Jamaat-ud-Dawa. He has also been designated as a global terrorist by the United States.
Another individual named is Hafiz Abdur Rauf, who has previously appeared in public events linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. Indian authorities have alleged that he played a prominent role in activities connected to the organisation.
The JeM-linked list includes Mufti Muhammed Asghar Khan, Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, Abdullah Jehadi, Mohammed Mussadiq and Waseem Noor, whom Indian agencies accuse of facilitating infiltration and operational support.
Focus on Recruitment Through Social Media
Officials said online radicalisation remains a major concern, with social media increasingly being used to recruit young people and coordinate activities.
Among those listed is Mohammed Shahed Faisal, a software engineer from Bengaluru, whom investigators allege was involved in online recruitment and operational planning in earlier terrorism-related cases.
Part of India’s Broader Counterterrorism Strategy
The latest designations follow India’s continued diplomatic and security efforts against organisations accused of involvement in terrorism.
The government said the action reinforces its policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism by combining domestic legal measures, intelligence-based operations and international diplomatic engagement.
Officials also noted that the move complements earlier international efforts, including the United States’ designation of The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2025.
What the UAPA Designation Means
Designation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act enables Indian authorities to strengthen legal action against individuals accused of involvement in terrorism. It also supports investigations into financial networks, recruitment activities and other alleged links to militant organisations.
The Centre said the latest decision is aimed at disrupting terror infrastructure and preventing future threats to national security.
