Kishtwar Police Arrest Third Accused in Terror Support Network Probe

SRINAGAR, July 21: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday arrested another alleged terror facilitator in Kishtwar district, describing it as a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into a terror support network operating in the Chatroo area. The arrest was made during the investigation of FIR No. 03/2026 registereTerror facilitatord at Police Station Chatroo under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Arms Act. According to police, the accused, Mohd Rafiq Naik, son of Ghulam Ali Naik and a resident of Dwather, Singhpur, was arrested for allegedly providing logistical and operational support to foreign terrorists active in the Chatroo area. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kishtwar, Naresh Singh, said sustained investigation and targeted operations led to the arrest. Preliminary findings indicate that Naik allegedly acted as a key handler of the Saifullah group in the area and is suspected of facilitating the activities of a foreign terrorist outfit. Police said investigators are working to establish the full extent of the accused’s alleged role, identify other members of the network, and trace links with the foreign terrorist group. Earlier, two other accused — Muneer Ahmed and Mashkoor Ahmed, both residents of Chatroo — were arrested in the same case for their alleged involvement in supporting terrorist activities. The investigation is continuing to identify and dismantle the entire support network. Police said all those found involved will face strict legal action in accordance with the law. Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir Police said it remains committed to maintaining peace, public order, and security across the region, and appealed to the public to share any information related to terrorist or anti-national activities with law enforcement agencies.