Bandipora police arrest six, including four women, over alleged links to banned outfit

Bandipora Police have arrested six people, including four women, for their alleged links to the banned organisation Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen. Investigators suspect the group was involved in separatist propaganda, covert meetings, prison-linked coordination and financial transactions allegedly connected to Pakistan-based handlers.

A case has been registered as FIR No. 168/2026 under Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at Bandipora police station.

According to police, the arrests followed an investigation into an alleged underground network operating in north Kashmir. Officials suspect the module was attempting to spread separatist ideology and recruit women through personal connections and prison contacts.

Investigation traces alleged network

Police said the investigation initially focused on Waheed Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Bhat Mohallah Kachloo Qazipora in Handwara, Kupwara district. Bhat had previously been arrested in a separate UAPA case in Kupwara.

His subsequent questioning allegedly led investigators to Mubeena Bano of Dachigam in Bandipora and other associates. Police suspect the network was operating under the directions of a Pakistan-based handler and facilitating covert meetings, propaganda activities and financial transactions.

Six people arrested

The six accused named by the police are:

• Mubeena Bano, daughter of Gh Ahmad Dar, a resident of Dachigam, Bandipora.
• Waheed Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohd Maqbool Bhat, a resident of Bhat Mohallah Kachloo Qazipora, Handwara, Kupwara.
• Kushboo Jan, daughter of Ab Rashid Sheikh, a resident of Check Panzigam, Bandipora.
• Mehak Jan, daughter of Mohd Sultan Sheikh, a resident of Check Panzigam, Bandipora.
• Aliya Jan, daughter of Ab Rashid Sheikh, a resident of Check Panzigam, Bandipora.
• Irfan Ahmed Reshi alias Rayees, son of Gh Nabi Reshi, a resident of Ananwan, Handwara.

Police suspect women-centric propaganda network

Police sources said the alleged module focused on drawing women into separatist propaganda activities, using personal networks and prison contacts to maintain communication and sustain its operations.

Investigators are examining the alleged involvement of several women from the same locality in Bandipora, suspecting that the network sought to use a low-profile, women-centric structure to disseminate separatist messaging and provide possible logistical support.

The probe has also pointed to suspected funding links with Pakistan and coordination with individuals inside prisons, officials said. Investigators are working to establish the extent of these links, trace the flow of funds and identify any additional people involved.

Probe underway

The arrests come amid an intensified crackdown by security forces on alleged overground and underground networks suspected of attempting to revive separatist activities in the region.

Police said intelligence-led operations and continued monitoring were aimed at preventing banned organisations from regrouping and recruiting people to spread their ideology.

The investigation remains ongoing, with police examining the alleged network’s funding, communication channels and links to individuals operating from within and outside the region.