New Delhi: The Government of India has taken a major decision regarding national security, a move that will prove to be a milestone in safeguarding the country. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has designated 23 dreaded terrorists active in Pakistan as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). All the individuals designated are associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and other banned organisations.
With the release of this list by the government, the total number of terrorists designated under the UAPA has risen to 80. The list targets close associates of Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar. These terrorists will no longer be able to operate with impunity; strict surveillance will be maintained to ensure they cannot execute any attacks within India.
Cracking Down on Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar’s Associates
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ list has caused a stir by identifying terrorists who orchestrate cross-border conspiracies. It specifically targets the closest aides of the masterminds plotting against India.
Notably, the list includes close associates of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar, as well as key lieutenants of Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed and his top commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. According to the Government of India, such conspirators will not be spared.
Who is Hafiz’s Key Operative?
The official notification issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs includes the name of Abdul Rauf, a resident of Lahore and a close associate of Lashkar chief Hafiz Saeed. According to government directives, Rauf has been listed as a terrorist at serial number 69 in the schedule under the UAPA. According to the official gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the list prominently includes the name of Abdul Rauf (aged approximately 52; resident of Room No. 7, 4 Lake Road, Chauburji, Lahore, Pakistan), a close and trusted associate of Lashkar chief Hafiz Saeed. The Government of India has designated Abdul Rauf as a terrorist, listing him at serial number 69 in the Fourth Schedule of the UAPA Act.
Why was this action taken?
According to official information from the government, Abdul Ra,uf also known as Hafiz Abdul R,auf is directly linked to organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jamaat-ud-Dawa. He has been specifically involved in coordinating between terrorists plotting major attacks in India and in terror financing activities. He has consistently operated under the directives of Hafiz Saeed; however, he will no longer be spared by India.
It is worth noting that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that under the relevant clauses of Section 35 and sub-section (2) of the UAPA Act, 1967, the Central Government is empowered to include an individual’s name in the Fourth Schedule of the Act if it believes that the person is involved in terrorism.
Furthermore, such an individual can be designated as a terrorist. This move is also part of India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
