J&K Police Dismantle Terror Financing Network in Shopian, Arrest 10 Suspected Associates

Shopian Police have dismantled an alleged terror financing network operating within Jammu and Kashmir and arrested 10 suspected terrorist associates following an investigation into financial transactions believed to be linked to militant activities. According to police officials, the investigation involved examining suspicious online transactions carried out through multiple digital payment platforms. By tracking the movement of funds across different financial channels, investigators uncovered a wider network of individuals allegedly connected to terrorist organisations and their associates lodged in various jails.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Owais Shafi Naikoo, Tajamul Ahmad Shah, Moiz Iqbal, Imdad Yousuf Ganie, Saqib Zahoor Wani, Aamir Ahmad Ganie, Firdous Thokar, Liyaqat Nazir Lone, Mohd Hanief and Kaju. Police have registered FIR No. 231/2026 at Shopian Police Station under relevant legal provisions.

Preliminary findings suggest that the accused were allegedly collecting money secretly from members of the public and transferring it through established financial channels to support the activities of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and The Resistance Front (TRF). Investigators also suspect that the funds were being used to provide logistical assistance, including smartphones, to facilitate terrorist operations.

Police said further investigation is underway to identify additional members of the network, trace financial connections and establish the extent of the alleged terror financing operation. More arrests may follow as the investigation progresses. The operation forms part of the ongoing efforts by Jammu and Kashmir Police, in coordination with other security agencies, to dismantle networks supporting terrorism and prevent the misuse of financial channels across the Union Territory.

The arrests come amid India's continued calls for stronger international cooperation against terrorism and its financing. On Wednesday, India reiterated the need for coordinated global action to eliminate terrorism in all its forms, stressing that terror financing and cross-border terrorism must be addressed with accountability. During a media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India would provide further details about its participation in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting at a later stage.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.