In a major crackdown on Pakistan-based terror networks, the Ministry of Home Affairs has designated Mohammad Musaddiq as an individual terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Musaddiq is among 23 individuals linked to Pakistan-based terror organisations, including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), who were designated terrorists by the Centre for their alleged involvement in infiltration, recruitment, logistics, financing and operational planning against India.
The designation places Musaddiq in the Fourth Schedule of the UAPA, enabling Indian agencies to take stronger legal action against his network, finances and operational associates.
According to the MHA notification, Musaddiq is a Pakistan-based JeM operative believed to be around 38 years old. He is known by multiple aliases, including Doctor, Abdul Mannan, Sajjad, Hamza and Wahid Khan.
Security agencies describe him as one of the key JeM handlers responsible for facilitating the infiltration of Pakistani terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials say he has played a central role in coordinating cross-border terror activities and managing infiltration routes used by terrorists to enter Indian territory.
Investigators have linked Musaddiq to the reconnaissance of several high-profile locations in India, including the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, headquarters in Nagpur and the Indian Oil Corporation refinery in Panipat.
According to security officials, such reconnaissance activities are often conducted to gather information on security arrangements, movement patterns and vulnerabilities before planning potential terror operations.
The MHA has accused Musaddiq of serving as a launching commander in the Lasiyakot sector and facilitating the movement of terrorists across the border into Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials allege that he has been involved in arranging infiltration through underground tunnels and coordinating the delivery of arms, ammunition and explosives into India using drones.
Security agencies believe he has played a significant role in strengthening JeM’s operational capabilities along the India-Pakistan border.
According to the government notification, Musaddiq has also been linked to the Sunjwan Attack carried out on April 22, 2022.
The attack targeted security personnel in Jammu’s Sunjwan area and was claimed by terrorists associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Investigators allege that Musaddiq was involved in planning and facilitating the operation from across the border.
Apart from infiltration and logistics, the MHA has also highlighted Musaddiq’s role in managing JeM’s online recruitment efforts.
Officials said he supervised a team of JeM “cyber players” who used social media platforms and encrypted communication channels to radicalise and recruit young people into the terror organisation.
Security agencies have increasingly identified digital platforms as a major tool used by terror groups for propaganda, recruitment and coordination.
Musaddiq was among 23 terror operatives designated by the Centre in the latest crackdown targeting Pakistan-based terror infrastructure.
Other individuals designated under UAPA include Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, Mufti Mohammad Asghar Khan, Hafiz Abdul Shakoor, Abdullah Jihadi, and Hafiz Khalid Waleed.
The move is part of the Centre’s stated zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and follows the 2019 amendment to the UAPA, which empowered the government to designate individuals, not just organisations, as terrorists.
Officials said the latest designations aim to disrupt terror networks, restrict financial flows and strengthen India’s ability to pursue those involved in anti-India activities.
