ITANAGAR, Dec 12 — Arunachal Pradesh Police have arrested two men from Jammu & Kashmir in what is being described as a potential link to a wider anti-national network operating in the Northeast. The arrests, made in connection with alleged spying and relaying sensitive military information to Pakistan-based handlers, have heightened security concerns in the region.
The Arrests and Allegations
The first accused, Nazir Ahmad Malik from Kupwara district, was apprehended on November 22 from a rented house in Ganga village, Itanagar, following “credible and actionable” intelligence inputs.
During interrogation, Malik allegedly made several key admissions:
- Military Information: He admitted to relaying deployment details of the Indian Army and paramilitary forces, and sharing information about military installations with his handlers.
- Encrypted Communication: Communication was reportedly conducted via encrypted Telegram channels.
- Explosives/Arson: He also admitted to receiving instructions to place explosives and carry out arson targeting security establishments.
- Telegram Channel Link: Police reportedly seized two mobile phones from the men containing digital traces linking him to a Telegram channel named “Al AQSA,” which allegedly served as a conduit for transmitting security-related information.
Following Malik’s statement, the second accused, Sabir Ahmed Mir from Kupwara, was arrested from Abotani Colony. Mir allegedly was in touch with a Pakistani handler and was instructed to facilitate the illegal entry of Pakistani nationals into India and to act as an arms courier. Police suspicion of Mir’s involvement was “heightened” by deleted data retrieved from his phone.
Both men, described as running petty businesses, are currently in judicial custody.
Police Warn of Wider Network
Police officials have indicated that Malik’s presence in Arunachal Pradesh suggests a possible larger plan to activate operatives in the region. A senior police officer stated that the arrests “indicate the possibility of a wider network attempting to activate anti-national operatives in the Northeast.”
The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Official Secrets Act, and the Arunachal Pradesh Act. A detailed investigation is underway to identify the wider network, its linkages, and the objectives behind the operation.
Inspector General of Police (Law & Order), Chukhu Apa, confirmed the arrests but declined to divulge further details, citing the sensitivity of the case. “This is a developing case. We are working on it, and a lot remains to be done. Police will soon give an official statement,” he said.
Demands Against Illegal Immigrants
The arrests come amidst intensified demands from several local organizations in the state for action against alleged illegal Muslim immigrants.
Just days ago, on December 9, three organizations—the Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal (IYFA), Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organization (APIYO), and All Naharlagun Youth Organization (ANYO) had called a day-long bandh (shutdown) in the capital region.
Their demands included the demolition of “illegally constructed” mosques and panjra-namas (makeshift prayer structures), identification and deportation of individuals they claim are illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, and a ban on weekly markets in the state capital.
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