- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Tue, 13 May 2025 11:43 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
In the wake of escalating tensions with Pakistan, security and intelligence agencies in Uttar Pradesh have intensified investigations into suspected links with terrorist organisations and Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI. The state has launched fresh surveillance on Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators while tightening security along the Nepal border.
Data released by security agencies reveals the depth of terrorist influence uncovered in the state over the past eight years. A total of 142 sleeper cells affiliated with ISI and other terrorist organisations have been dismantled. Additionally, 230 criminals, including a terrorist, were killed in police encounters during this period.
Of those apprehended, 131 individuals were found sheltering agents of terrorist outfits and supplying them with sensitive information. Among them, 11 were directly linked to terror funding operations.
Following Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s 2017 directive for a zero-tolerance approach towards crime, terrorism, and infiltration, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has intensified its operations. The crackdown has targeted sleeper modules of ISI, PFI, Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen, Islamic State, and other groups involved in anti-national activities.
The ATS has also acted against those involved in the circulation of counterfeit currency. In total, 41 accused were arrested with fake Indian currency amounting to Rs 47.03 lakh recovered.
In efforts to counter illegal immigration and conversion rackets, the ATS arrested 173 infiltrators, primarily Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals. Over 20 active members of the syndicate facilitating illegal conversions were also apprehended.
Further tightening cyber surveillance, the state police arrested 19 members of a cybercrime syndicate, including four Chinese nationals, for their involvement in activities that posed threats to internal security.
The state’s security apparatus continues to operate under high alert, with sustained efforts to neutralise threats from extremist networks and cross-border infiltration.