The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has designated 23 Pakistan-based individuals as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), reinforcing India's efforts to combat cross-border terrorism and dismantle terror networks operating against the country.

According to the Home Ministry, the individuals have been linked to banned terrorist organisations, including Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and other extremist groups involved in anti-India activities. The government said the move reflects its commitment to eliminating terrorist infrastructure and safeguarding the nation's security.

Most Designated Individuals Are Pakistani Nationals

The Ministry stated that 17 of the 23 designated terrorists are Pakistani nationals, while the remaining six are Indian nationals. However, all of them are currently operating from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

The government said these individuals have been actively involved in planning and executing activities aimed at threatening India's sovereignty and national security.

Accused of Multiple Terror-Related Activities

According to the Home Ministry, the designated terrorists have been involved in a wide range of anti-India operations, including carrying out terrorist attacks, promoting and inciting terrorism, infiltrating across the border, trafficking illegal arms and explosives, facilitating terrorist organisations, raising funds, and recruiting new members for terror groups.

Officials said these activities have posed a serious threat to the country's internal security and public safety.

UAPA Amendment Strengthens Anti-Terror Framework

The Ministry highlighted that the 2019 amendment to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act significantly strengthened India's anti-terror legal framework by empowering the Central Government to designate individuals, and not just organisations, as terrorists.

This provision enables investigative agencies to take direct legal action against persons involved in terrorism, even if they are not formally associated with a banned organisation.

NIA Gets Wider Powers to Act

With the latest designation, agencies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) can initiate stronger legal and financial action against the listed individuals.

The designation allows authorities to freeze bank accounts, seize assets, block financial transactions, impose restrictions on arms-related activities, and disrupt funding networks linked to terrorist operations. It also strengthens India's efforts to coordinate with international partners in tackling terror financing and cross-border terrorism.

Over 80 Individuals Designated Since 2019

The Home Ministry said that with the addition of these 23 names, the Central Government has now designated 80 individuals as terrorists since the amended UAPA provisions came into effect in 2019.

The government reiterated that it remains committed to taking strict action against terrorism and ensuring that those involved in activities threatening India's unity, integrity, and security are brought under the ambit of the law.