India news: Government lists 23 Pakistanis as ‘terrorists’

The Indian government has designated 23 individuals based in Pakistan as “terrorists” under its anti-terrorism law, known as the the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency said.

The individuals, according to the order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, are linked to militant groups including Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The government amended the UAPA in August 2019 to include a provision which allows it to designate an individual as a “terrorist.”

Prior to this amendment, only organizations could be designated as terrorist organizations.

Including the names of terrorists in the list will allow the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to block their finances, impose an embargo on arms sales, and seize their assets.

With the latest addition of 23 names, the list now includes 80 individuals designated as terrorists, according to a report by Indian newspaper Hindustan Times.

Those newly added to the list reportedly include three close aides of Hafiz Saeed — the founder of LeT who is accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed over 160 people and injured hundreds more.

Good morning! This is Midhat from the New Delhi Bureau, bringing you the latest developments from India.

India sent its delegates to Iran to attend the state funeral of slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali ​Khamenei. The delegation paid their tribute as funeral ceremonies began yesterday.

The Indian government has designated 23 individuals based in Pakistan as “terrorists” under its anti-terrorism law, known as he Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). 

Meanwhile, the annual Hindu pilgrimage called the Amarnath Yatra is progressing with the third batch of pilgrims leaving from Jammu to Kashmir.

Stay tuned as we bring you all this and more.