Bandipora police say they have broken up an alleged Pakistan-linked network in north Kashmir, leading to the arrest of six people, among them four women. The case, officials said, revolves around a suspected clandestine module connected to the banned organisation Jammu and Kashmir Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen (JKIM), with investigators alleging prison-based contact, covert meetings, women-focused mobilisation and cross-border funding.
FIR Filed Under UAPA
The police registered FIR No. 168/2026 at Police Station Bandipora under Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, as amended. As cited in the report, these provisions relate to membership of an unlawful association and unlawful activities connected to promoting the ideology of a proscribed organisation and mobilising support for its objectives.
Who Has Been Arrested
The arrested persons have been identified as Waheed Ahmad Bhat, also referred to as Butt, son of Mohd Maqbool Bhat, resident of Bhat Mohallah, Kachloo Qazipora, Handwara, Kupwara district; Mubeena Bano, or Banoo, daughter of Gh Ahmad Dar, resident of Dachigam, Bandipora; Kushboo Jan, or Khushboo Jan, daughter of Ab Rashid Sheikh, resident of Check Panzigam, Bandipora; Mehak Jan, daughter of Mohd Sultan Sheikh, resident of Check Panzigam, Bandipora; Aliya Jan, also written as Alia or Aaliya Jan, daughter of Ab Rashid Sheikh, resident of Check Panzigam, Bandipora; and Irfan Ahmed Reshi, alias Rayees or Rais, son of Gh Nabi Reshi, resident of Ananwan, Handwara, Kupwara.
Police said two of the accused are from Handwara in Kupwara district, while the remaining four are from Bandipora. Investigators are also looking into the alleged role of a religious cleric, described as a preacher or maulvi, and two suspected couriers from Kupwara, who are still at large.
How the Probe Developed
According to investigators, the inquiry first centred on Waheed Ahmad Bhat. He had earlier been arrested under the UAPA in 2022 in connection with a conference. While lodged in Kupwara Jail, Bhat allegedly re-established contact with a Pakistan-based handler identified as Manzoor Ahmad Shah. Police say that, with the help of another inmate, a network was built to spread separatist ideology, hold meetings and expand support, including by involving women in outreach and mobilisation efforts.
The police claim the activity increased after Bhat was released on medical grounds in August 2024. Investigators allege that 14 to 15 clandestine meetings took place in Bandipora and nearby areas, including five to six gatherings at a small hotel on the Bandipora-Baramulla road. Officials said women were specifically targeted for propaganda-related work.
Alleged Funding Trail
Police say they have traced a financial trail linked to the module. Around ₹7–8 lakh is alleged to have been routed over a period of more than a year. Of that, about ₹2.26 lakh was reportedly deposited into the Jammu and Kashmir Bank account of Mubeena Bano of Dachigam, Bandipora. The rest was allegedly moved through cash couriers. Investigators said some of the money was shared among associates, while part of it was used for Bhat’s medical treatment and related expenses.
JKIM Ban Background
JKIM, also referred to as Ittihadul Muslimeen, is headed by Masroor Abbas Ansari and is a constituent of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference. The Ministry of Home Affairs declared it an “unlawful association” under the UAPA on March 11, 2025, for five years. The government cited alleged anti-national and subversive activities, support for terrorism, fuelling secessionist activities, mobilisation of funds for unlawful purposes, and promotion of hatred against the established government. The ban was later upheld by a special tribunal.
Investigation Continues
Bandipora Police said the probe is still underway to determine the wider reach of the network, its structure, communication channels, funding sources and the exact roles of the arrested persons and others under scrutiny. Officials also said the module allegedly tried to use women to spread separatist ideology, apparently on the assumption that they would attract less scrutiny.
The case is part of continuing security operations in north Kashmir against alleged residual networks linked to banned organisations and cross-border handlers. Police said more details are expected as the investigation progresses.
