Security forces on Thursday demolished the houses of two suspected terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, a day after a police head constable was shot dead while on Amarnath Yatra security duty. The action was taken as part of the investigation into the attack, with security agencies simultaneously expanding anti-terror operations across the Kashmir Valley.

According to officials, the demolished properties belonged to Adil Thoker, a resident of Guri village in Bijbehara, and Haroon Ganai, a resident of Hasanpora. Authorities alleged that both men were involved in the attack that claimed the life of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi earlier this week.

Officials said explosive devices were used to demolish the two houses after evidence collection and as part of the ongoing investigation. Security agencies are examining the broader network that allegedly assisted the suspects.

Head Constable Qureshi, who was attached to the Indian Reserve Police (IRP) and the Special Operations Group (SOG), was deployed for security arrangements related to the annual Amarnath Yatra. The attack took place at around 12:30 pm on Tuesday near Lal Chowk in Anantnag, even though the pilgrimage had been temporarily suspended because of adverse weather conditions.

Police said unidentified terrorists opened fire on the officer from close range. Security personnel present in the area retaliated, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire before the attackers managed to escape. Qureshi suffered critical injuries and was rushed to the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Anantnag, where doctors declared him dead.

The slain officer was a resident of Budgam district and is survived by his wife and three children.

Officials alleged that Adil Thoker is linked to the banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Security agencies identified Haroon Ganai as being associated with Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), although another official statement described both suspects as members of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Investigators are continuing to verify the operational links of the two accused.

According to security officials, Thoker allegedly travelled to Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border in 2018, where he is suspected to have undergone terrorist training before infiltrating back into Jammu and Kashmir last year.

Authorities also said that The Resistance Front (TRF), which security agencies describe as a proxy outfit linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the killing of the police officer.

Following the incident, Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with the Army and other security forces, launched an extensive search operation across the Valley. Officials said more than 2,000 suspected Over Ground Workers (OGWs) have been detained for questioning as part of a wider crackdown aimed at dismantling terrorist support networks.

Security agencies are focusing on identifying individuals suspected of providing militants with shelter, transportation, financial support and communication assistance. Search operations and surveillance have been intensified in Anantnag and several other districts.

The latest attack comes amid heightened security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir following a series of recent terrorist incidents. On July 18, security forces foiled a suspected infiltration attempt along the Line of Control in Rajouri after an exchange of fire with suspected infiltrators. Earlier, on July 8, security forces eliminated Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Zakir Ahmed Gani during an encounter in Shopian. He was among the most wanted terrorists identified after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Authorities have reiterated that anti-terror operations will continue across the Union Territory, with investigations underway to identify those involved in recent attacks and dismantle the infrastructure supporting militant activities.

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested five more persons in connection with an alleged terror module linked to the Pakistan-based banned terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), taking the total number of arrests in the case to 13.

The latest arrests were made from Khadiyal village in Siddhpur taluka of Patan district. The accused have been identified as Bilal Abidbhai Shera, Mohammad Ayub Kadiwala alias Mohammed Khadiyasan, Mohammad Palanpuri alias Khali Ayub Sunsara, Shafia Rais Mukhti alias Shafi Chapi and Mohammad Hasan Kardia alias Hasan Haidarpuri.

Five Accused Sent to ATS Custody

The five accused were produced before Judicial Magistrate R.M. Bhatia in Kadi, Mehsana district. The court remanded them to Gujarat ATS custody until July 24 to facilitate further investigation.

The arrests come days after coordinated raids conducted by the ATS across Gujarat and neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, during which eight suspects were taken into custody.

Investigation into Alleged Terror Network

According to ATS officials, the investigation suggests the accused were allegedly part of a wider network linked to the banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. Investigators are examining allegations of radicalisation, recruitment and logistical support activities.

Officials claim the accused were allegedly in contact with handlers based in Pakistan through encrypted messaging applications and social media platforms. These allegations are part of the ongoing investigation and have not yet been tested in court.

Electronic Devices Seized

During the searches, the ATS seized mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices from the accused. The devices have been sent for forensic examination to recover communication records and digital evidence.

Investigators are also analysing financial transactions, bank accounts and online activities to determine whether the alleged network received foreign funding or maintained links with operatives in other states.

Further Investigation Underway

The ATS has not disclosed whether the alleged module had identified any specific targets, stating that the investigation is at a sensitive stage.

Officials said further arrests and searches cannot be ruled out as forensic analysis and interrogation of the accused continue. The investigation is being carried out in coordination with central and state security agencies to determine the full extent of the alleged network.

The accused remain under investigation, and the allegations against them will be subject to judicial proceedings.: 

India is hosting the 5th BIMSTEC National Security Advisors (NSAs) Meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, bringing together senior security officials from member countries to strengthen regional cooperation against emerging security challenges. The meeting is expected to focus on counter-terrorism, transnational crime, cyber security, maritime security and intelligence-sharing among the Bay of Bengal nations.

The high-level gathering forms part of the broader efforts under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to deepen collaboration in regional security and strategic affairs. National Security Advisors and senior officials from the seven BIMSTEC member states are participating in the discussions.

Focus on Regional Security

The meeting is expected to review the implementation of previous security-related decisions while exploring ways to enhance coordination in tackling cross-border terrorism, organized crime, human trafficking, cyber threats and illegal trafficking of arms and narcotics.

Officials are also likely to discuss mechanisms for improving information sharing, capacity building and institutional cooperation to address evolving security concerns in the Bay of Bengal region.

Strengthening Maritime Cooperation

Maritime security remains one of the key agenda items, given the strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal. The participating countries are expected to deliberate on enhancing cooperation to combat piracy, illegal fishing, maritime trafficking and disaster response while ensuring the security of critical sea lanes.

The meeting also aims to strengthen regional preparedness against natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies through coordinated security frameworks.

India's Regional Outreach

India's hosting of the fifth NSA-level meeting reflects its continued emphasis on strengthening BIMSTEC as a key regional platform linking South Asia and Southeast Asia. The forum has gained increasing importance in India's "Neighbourhood First" and "Act East" policies, with security cooperation emerging as one of its major pillars.

The discussions are expected to contribute to a more coordinated regional approach towards shared security challenges while reinforcing trust and strategic cooperation among member countries.

About BIMSTEC

Established in 1997, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The grouping connects countries around the Bay of Bengal and promotes cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, connectivity, energy, technology, disaster management and security.

The outcomes of the NSA meeting are expected to guide future collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening regional stability, resilience and sustainable development.

Originally from Bihar's Motihari district, Tanushree belongs to the 2017 batch of the Indian Police Service and has spent a significant part of her career in Jammu and Kashmir. During her tenure, she handled key law-and-order responsibilities in districts affected by militancy while also working to strengthen public trust in the police.

Her departure from Pulwama has drawn attention not only because of her policing record but also due to the relationship she developed with local communities, especially women and young people. Residents and social media users have shared messages appreciating her service and wishing her success in her new assignment.

Before joining the IPS, Tanushree served as an Assistant Commandant in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). She later cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination and was allotted the Jammu and Kashmir cadre. A graduate in Textile Design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar, she followed an unconventional path from design studies to counter-insurgency policing.

One of the most widely discussed moments from her career came during an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where she recounted an anti-terror operation carried out during her early years in the Valley.

Speaking at the event, Tanushree described an operation against a Hizbul Mujahideen commander identified as Junaid, who was allegedly involved in militant recruitment activities. According to her account, security agencies received intelligence about the militant's presence at a supporter’s residence. A joint team comprising Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Special Operations Group (SOG) and CRPF personnel launched an operation to surround the location.

She recalled that the encounter turned intense after the militants opened fire on security personnel. One security officer was injured during the exchange. Tanushree admitted that witnessing such a situation firsthand was initially intimidating, but she praised the courage of the security forces, who continued the operation while ensuring the injured personnel received medical assistance. The operation ultimately ended with the neutralisation of the militants involved.

During the same interaction, Prime Minister Modi expressed interest in Tanushree's educational background and learned that she had studied textile design before entering the civil services. Referring to the contrast between her academic training and policing duties, he remarked on the unique journey from working with textiles to tackling terrorism.

The Prime Minister also suggested that she use her design expertise to engage with women involved in traditional handicrafts and textile work in Kashmir. He encouraged her to interact with local artisans and self-help groups, share modern design perspectives and help promote skills that could create economic opportunities for women in the region.

The suggestion reflected a broader emphasis on combining security initiatives with community development and grassroots engagement. Tanushree later spoke about the interaction as one of the memorable moments of her career.

Over the years, she has served in districts such as Shopian and Pulwama, both of which have witnessed security challenges and anti-militancy operations. Colleagues and residents have often highlighted her calm approach, communication skills and focus on public outreach.

With her transfer to Delhi, Tanushree leaves behind a chapter that combined counter-terror responsibilities with community-focused policing. For many in Kashmir, her tenure is being remembered not only for maintaining law and order but also for efforts to build confidence between citizens and the police administration.

Top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Zakir Ahmad Ganai was killed during an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, marking another significant success for security forces in their ongoing crackdown on terrorism in the Valley. Ganai, who was among the 14 most-wanted local terrorists identified after the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, was found dead on Wednesday after security personnel recovered his body from the encounter site. The operation, launched on Saturday, entered its fifth consecutive day as forces continued extensive search operations across the region. Officials said the mission involved the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), with multiple elite units participating to eliminate remaining militants and dismantle terror infrastructure in south Kashmir.

Five-Day Operation Ends in Major Success

The anti-terror operation began in the Chanapora area of Shopian after intelligence agencies received credible inputs about the presence of heavily armed terrorists hiding in the region. Security forces launched a coordinated search involving the Army's Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF personnel.

Although two terrorists were neutralised during the initial phase of the operation on Saturday, Ganai's body was recovered only after an extensive search conducted over several days. Dense orchards and difficult terrain reportedly slowed the recovery process, prompting security forces to deploy additional personnel and surveillance measures.

The Army's Victor Force sealed all possible escape routes, while lighting arrangements were installed to facilitate night operations. Search teams continued combing nearby villages and forested areas to ensure no militants managed to flee.

Linked to Multiple Terror Activities

According to security officials, Zakir Ahmad Ganai hailed from Matlahama village in Kulgam district and had been active in south Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region since 2023. Intelligence agencies believe he played an active role in coordinating Pakistan-backed terror activities in the Valley.

His name surfaced prominently during investigations into the April 2026 Pahalgam terror attack, following which central agencies released a list of 14 local terrorists allegedly associated with Pakistan-based terror organisations. Authorities had also demolished the houses of several identified militants as part of the intensified crackdown.

Officials said Ganai had been associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba since 2024 and was considered a key operative within the outfit's local network.

Nine Terrorists Eliminated So Far

With Ganai's elimination, security agencies have neutralised nine of the 14 terrorists identified after the Pahalgam attack. Five militants from the list remain at large and continue to be the focus of intelligence-based operations across south Kashmir.

The government's anti-terror campaign has intensified over the past year through a series of coordinated operations, including Operation Sindoor, Operation Keller, Operation Mahadev, Operation Akhal, Operation Gudder and the ongoing Operation Sherowali. These missions have targeted terrorist hideouts, overground worker networks and infiltration routes across the Union Territory.

Officials maintain that counter-terror operations will continue until the remaining wanted terrorists are tracked down and eliminated.

Security agencies crack down on alleged terror network operating across Gujarat and MP; investigation into funding and recruitment continues

In a major anti-terror operation ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested eight suspected operatives allegedly linked to the banned terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The coordinated operation was carried out across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh following intelligence inputs indicating efforts to expand the outfit's network in western India.

According to officials, the arrests were made during simultaneous raids conducted at multiple locations. Investigators believe the accused were actively working to strengthen the organisation's presence by recruiting individuals, circulating extremist material and maintaining contact with handlers linked to the terror outfit.

Among those arrested is Bilal Durrani, who was apprehended from Dewas district in Madhya Pradesh. Police sources said he had allegedly been living in the city's Warsi Nagar area for a considerable period without attracting attention from local authorities.

The remaining accused include Ahmed Abdullah Ghaziwala, Ibrahim Mohammad Hussain Ghagha, Mudassir Abdullah Ghaziwala, Zakariya Durrani, Mufti Fauzan, Mohammad Amin Shera and Mohammad Abdul Rehman Savdi, most of whom belong to Gujarat.

Officials said two of the accused are teenagers aged 18 and 19, while others are between their early twenties and forties. Initial investigations suggest that the suspects were allegedly operating under instructions from Jaish-e-Mohammed handlers and attempting to establish a stronger organisational base in Gujarat.

Digital evidence and alleged funding trail recovered

The ATS has reportedly recovered mobile phones containing alleged extremist literature, videos, audio recordings and handwritten notes. Investigators are examining the digital devices to determine the extent of the alleged network and identify additional contacts.

Officials also suspect the accused received financial support for their activities. Preliminary findings indicate that around ₹3 lakh may have been transferred through suspected terror-funding channels. Authorities are tracing the origin of these transactions to identify possible financiers and foreign connections.

Investigators are also scrutinising communication records, encrypted messaging applications and social media activity as part of the ongoing probe.

Operation launched ahead of Rath Yatra

The arrests assume significance as they were made just days before Gujarat's annual Rath Yatra, one of the state's largest religious processions that attracts thousands of devotees and involves extensive security arrangements every year.

Security agencies routinely intensify surveillance ahead of major public events, and officials said the operation was part of preventive measures aimed at neutralising potential security threats.

Charges under UAPA and BNS

The ATS has registered a case against all eight accused under multiple provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), including Sections 13, 17, 18, 38 and 39, which relate to unlawful activities, terror funding, conspiracy and support to terrorist organisations.

Additional charges have also been invoked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

All the accused remain in ATS custody and are being questioned to determine the full extent of the alleged network, recruitment activities, financial transactions and any possible links with handlers operating outside India.

Officials said further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses.

J&K Police bust LeT module, 5 held including Pakistani terrorists

J&K Police bust LeT module with cross-border links; two Pakistani operatives and three aides arrested in coordinated crackdown

Major crackdown unfolded

In a major counter-terrorism operation, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has busted a module linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), arresting five individuals, including two Pakistani terrorists. The arrests were made following coordinated raids across multiple states, officials said on Tuesday.

The operation marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle terror networks operating in the Kashmir Valley and beyond.

Arrests across states

According to officials, security agencies conducted searches at 19 locations spanning Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Haryana. The joint operation involved central intelligence agencies alongside local police units.

Authorities confirmed that incriminating materials were seized during the raids, though details were not disclosed due to the sensitivity of the investigation.

Key accused identified

One of the arrested terrorists has been identified as Abdullah, also known as Abu Huraira, who had reportedly been absconding for 16 years. The second Pakistani national was identified as Usman alias Khubaib.

Officials said both had infiltrated India around 2010 and remained active in various districts of the Kashmir Valley over the years.

Local aides role

Three local aides from Srinagar were also taken into custody. They were identified as Mohammad Nakeeb Bhatt, Adil Rashid Bhatt, and Ghulam Mohammad Mir, alias Mama.

Investigators revealed that these individuals provided logistical support, including shelter, food, and communication assistance, to the foreign terrorists. They were allegedly in direct contact with handlers operating across the border.

Network and operations

Preliminary findings indicate that the module functioned as a support system for terrorist activities, facilitating movement, funding, and safe havens. Officials said the network played a crucial role in sustaining militant operations in the region.

Sources indicated that the two Pakistani operatives had, at one point, commanded a group of nearly 40 militants. Most of these operatives were neutralised in previous counter-insurgency operations by security forces.

Escape and fake IDs

Investigators also uncovered that one of the operatives had managed to leave the country earlier using forged documents and fake identities. This movement was allegedly facilitated by a wider LeT network extending into other Indian states.

Authorities are now probing the extent of this network and identifying additional suspects who may have assisted in the escape and cross-border coordination.

Security impact assessed

Security experts view the bust as a significant development in curbing terror infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. The dismantling of such modules is expected to disrupt logistical chains that enable militant activities.

Officials stated that intelligence-sharing between state and central agencies has improved in recent years, allowing for more precise and coordinated operations.

What lies ahead

Further interrogation of the arrested individuals is underway, and more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses. Security agencies are also analysing seized materials to uncover financial trails and communication links.

The J&K Police bust LeT module operation is expected to have wider implications for counter-terror efforts, particularly in identifying sleeper cells and cross-border networks.

As part of the latest news today, this India news update underscores continued vigilance by security forces against terrorism. The case remains a key public interest story within the broader national and international news landscape, with further government updates anticipated in the coming days.