In a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism, the Assam Police’s Special Task Force (STF) arrested a key terror suspect, Nasimuddin SK, in Kokrajhar district on Monday. Nasimuddin SK is suspected to be a member of two prominent extremist groups – the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) and Jamaat-Ul-Mujahideen (JAM). His arrest comes as part of the ongoing anti-terror operation dubbed ‘Operation PRAGHAT’, which aims to dismantle terror networks in India and curb the activities of Global Terrorist Organisations (GTOs) within the country.
The arrest followed a well-coordinated operation between the STF and local police forces, based on critical intelligence inputs from reliable sources. Nasimuddin SK was apprehended in Kokrajhar, a district that has been under scrutiny for its connections to several extremist activities. Authorities claim that Nasimuddin SK was an active co-conspirator in terrorist plans, which involved acquiring firearms and manufacturing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) for use in attacks by extremist groups.
Nasimuddin SK’s Terror Links and Arrest
Nasimuddin SK has been identified as a close associate of Nur Islam Mandal, another key figure linked to terror activities in the Kokrajhar region. Mandal had already been detained in connection with several terror-related incidents in the area. According to police reports, SK was heavily involved in efforts to acquire firearms and craft IEDs to further the agenda of the extremist groups with which he was affiliated. His arrest was seen as a significant step in preventing potential terrorist attacks in the region.
Nasimuddin SK has been charged under several acts, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act, the Explosives Act, the Passport Act, and the Foreigners’ Act. These charges reflect the gravity of his involvement in promoting terror activities and his links to global terrorist organizations like Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) and Jamaat-Ul-Mujahideen (JAM). Both these groups have been responsible for a series of violent acts in various regions, and authorities are working tirelessly to eliminate their influence in India.
‘Operation PRAGHAT’: A Continued Effort to Combat Terrorism
The arrest of Nasimuddin SK is part of Operation PRAGHAT, which began in December 2024 with the primary objective of cracking down on terror networks across the northeastern region of India. The operation is aimed at identifying and dismantling extremist groups that are active in recruiting members, procuring weapons, and planning terrorist activities within the country.
Authorities have stated that Operation PRAGHAT is a comprehensive operation that involves the STF, local police forces, and intelligence agencies working together to locate and arrest individuals involved in terror-related activities. The operation has seen numerous arrests and seizures, including major arms and ammunition haul in Kokrajhar in late December 2024. On December 25, two suspected terror operatives were detained, along with a large cache of weapons, in the Namapara area of Kokrajhar.
These actions underscore the state’s commitment to curbing the activities of terror groups and protecting citizens from the dangers of radicalization and violence. The police are focused on targeting terror cells and individuals who pose a threat to national security, with efforts being intensified across various districts, including Kokrajhar.
Security Measures and Ongoing Investigation
After his arrest, Nasimuddin SK was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) in Kokrajhar, where he was remanded to police custody for a period of seven days. The Assam Police have stated that further investigations are underway to gather additional intelligence on his terror links and to track other members of the extremist groups he was associated with.
Police officials have also stated that they are following up on leads related to his role in the procurement of explosive materials, which could have been used for attacks on sensitive targets. The involvement of extremist groups like ABT and JAM in India has raised concerns about the growing influence of international terror organizations, making this operation even more crucial for national security.
The Bigger Picture: Combating Terrorism in Northeast India
The ongoing anti-terror operations in Assam and the broader Northeast India region are essential in addressing the growing threats posed by both homegrown and international terrorist groups. The state has long been a target for extremist activities due to its proximity to international borders and the complex socio-political environment.
In addition to the direct security measures, the Assam Police are working with regional intelligence agencies to monitor the activities of terror groups and thwart any attempts to establish stronger footholds in the region. The goal is not just to make arrests but also to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure that has existed for years.
The arrest of Nasimuddin SK in Kokrajhar represents a noteworthy achievement for the Assam Police and their efforts to combat terrorism in the state. With Operation PRAGHAT continuing to gather momentum, authorities are hopeful that these arrests will serve as a deterrent to extremists operating in the region and demonstrate the state’s commitment to securing peace and safety for its citizens. The successful execution of coordinated operations and intelligence gathering proves the state’s dedication to dismantling terror cells and preventing further violence.
With ongoing investigations into Nasimuddin SK’s activities, the Assam Police remain focused on securing the state and ensuring that terrorist organizations no longer have a foothold in the region. As the operation continues, authorities remain determined to protect Assam and India from the growing threat of extremism.