NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has designated 23 terror functionaries affiliated with banned organisations as individual terrorists under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), describing the move as a reflection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “zero tolerance against terror” and a significant step towards strengthening India’s national security framework.
The designation of the 23 individuals marks another major initiative in the Central Government’s continued campaign to dismantle terror networks and take stringent action against those involved in anti-India activities.
Sharing the development, Amit Shah said, “Pursuing PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of zero tolerance against terror, the MHA today declared 23 dreaded terror functionaries affiliated with banned organisations as terrorists under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.”
The Home Minister said the latest move demonstrates the government’s unwavering determination to identify, isolate and legally act against individuals involved in terrorist activities that threaten India’s sovereignty and security.
Decision Targets Key Terror Operatives
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the 23 individuals have been designated as terrorists for their alleged involvement in anti-India activities and their links with banned terrorist organisations. The government stated that these operatives have played important roles in planning and facilitating terrorist attacks, recruiting militants, arranging finances, promoting radicalisation, smuggling arms and assisting cross-border infiltration.
The designation has been made under the provisions of the UAPA, India’s principal anti-terror law, which allows the Central Government to notify individuals as terrorists based on their involvement in terrorism and related activities.
Officials said the latest action is intended to further weaken terror organisations by restricting the activities of their key operatives and disrupting the networks that sustain terrorism.
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Amit Shah Reiterates Government’s Resolve
Highlighting the Centre’s approach towards national security, Amit Shah said the Modi government remains firmly committed to eliminating terrorism in all its forms.
He said, “The Modi government is committed to dismantling every terror module to ensure the safety of India and its people.”
The Home Minister emphasised that terrorism poses a direct challenge to national security and public safety, making it essential for the government to act decisively against those who facilitate or support terror organisations.
He added that the government’s counter-terrorism policy is guided by a proactive approach that combines intelligence-based operations, strong legal measures and international cooperation.
17 Pakistani Nationals Among the Designated Individuals
The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that among the 23 designated terrorists, 17 are Pakistani nationals, while six are Indian nationals currently operating from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
According to the government, these individuals have remained involved in coordinating terrorist activities directed against India and have allegedly worked with banned terrorist organisations engaged in cross-border terrorism.
The Centre has consistently maintained that terror infrastructure operating from across the border continues to pose a security challenge and requires sustained legal and operational action.
Terror Financing and Recruitment in Focus
Officials said the designated individuals have allegedly been involved in raising funds for terrorist organisations, facilitating recruitment of operatives, arranging logistics, promoting extremist propaganda and supporting infiltration across the border.
The government believes that declaring these individuals as terrorists will significantly reduce their ability to mobilise financial resources, recruit new members and coordinate terror operations.
Amit Shah said the latest decision is expected to weaken the ecosystem that enables terrorist organisations to sustain their activities.
He noted, “This decision will prove crucial in dismantling the terror ecosystem by curbing these terrorists’ fundraising mechanisms, movement, recruitment capabilities, and terror-related activities.”
Importance of the UAPA
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act serves as India’s primary legal framework to combat terrorism and unlawful activities. The law empowers the Central Government to designate individuals as terrorists if they are found to be involved in committing, preparing, promoting or supporting acts of terrorism.
Officials said such designation strengthens the legal process by enabling agencies to pursue investigations more effectively, monitor financial transactions, coordinate with international partners and initiate action against those involved in terror-related activities.
The government has increasingly relied on these provisions to strengthen India’s counter-terrorism architecture and improve coordination among investigative agencies.
Part of a Broader National Security Strategy
The latest notification forms part of the government’s broader strategy to eliminate terrorism through preventive, investigative and legal measures.
Over the past several years, the Centre has focused on strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms, modernising security agencies, enhancing border management and taking strict action against terror financing and organised networks.
The government believes that identifying individual terrorists helps expose their activities internationally while strengthening India’s efforts to seek cooperation from foreign governments and global agencies.
Strong Message Against Terrorism
Officials said the designation of the 23 terror functionaries sends a clear message that India will continue to pursue those involved in terrorism regardless of where they operate.
The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that individuals engaged in anti-national activities, cross-border terrorism, recruitment, arms smuggling and financing of terrorist organisations will face stringent legal action under the law.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Amit Shah said the latest action reflects the Centre’s determination to ensure that terrorism has no place in India.
With the notification issued under the UAPA, the government aims to further weaken terrorist organisations by targeting their leadership, disrupting their financial networks and restricting their operational capabilities.
The Centre maintained that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “zero tolerance against terror” will continue to guide India’s national security policy and future counter-terrorism initiatives, with the objective of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, integrity and the safety of its citizens.
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