Tag Archives: Maoist

VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 01-15 September 2022

DEFENCE

  • Indian Army Contingent Participates in Exercise Vostok- 2022.
  • Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi commissions India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in Kochi.
  • Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Manoj Pande, to visit Nepal.
  • First Ever Visit by Indian Defence Minister to Mongolia.
  • Raksha Mantri participates in India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Tokyo.
  • CoE – SURVEI standardizes Drone images for land Survey.
  • DRDO & Indian Army successfully conduct six flight-tests of Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system.
  • India-U.S.A 2+2 Inter-sessional Dialogue and India-U.S.A Maritime Security Dialogue.
  • 16th round of India China Corps Commander Level Meeting.
  • 1st Indian Army Logistics seminar held.
  • Japan-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise – Jimex 2022.
  • Exercise Pitch Black 2022 Concludes.
  • Multinational Exercise Kakadu – 2022.
  • 36th Tri-Services Commanders’ Conference – South held in Port Blair.
  • Raksha Mantri’s telephonic conversation with US Secretary of Defence.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa
Somalia
  • Somalian forces eliminated senior al-Shabaab terrorist and freed hostages in Lower Shabelle region.
Afghanistan
  • “JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar in Pakistan,” claimed Taliban.
  • Islamic State-led suicide attack killed two diplomats at Russian Embassy in Kabul.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
  • NIA filed chargesheet against six perpetrators in the “targeted killing of Sarpanch of Village” case.
  • NIA filed chargesheet against eight terrorists/OGWs in “Pulwama JeM conspiracy” case.
  • Security forces eliminated two HM terrorists in gunfight in Anantnag.
Left-Wing Extremism
  • NIA searched multiple locations in Bihar in the “Maoist Terror Funding” case.
    Police arrested two Maoists from Telangana.
  • NIA filed chargesheet against two Maoists in “PGLA Recruitment case” of Kerala.
  • Security forces unearthed a Maoist dump in Andhra Pradesh.
Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
  • NIA Special Court (Ernakulam) convicted IS terrorist in “IS Wandoor Case” of Kerala.
  • NIA officials searched multiple locations in Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, in the “PFI conspiracy” case.
  • NIA filed chargesheet against six JMB terrorists in “JMB Bhopal” case.
Khalistan-inspired Extremism
  • Canada-based think-tank endorsed “Khalistan Referendum”.
North-East India Insurgency
  • NIA searched locations in Mizoram in connection with pilferage of explosives from India to Myanmar.
  • NIA searched multiple locations in Assam in connection with ULFA recruitment case.
Narcotics Trafficking
  • NIA officials arrested three people in “Mundra Heroin” case.

DEFENCE

Indian Army Contingent Participates in Exercise Vostok- 2022.

A multilateral strategic and command Exercise Vostok – 2022 was held at the training grounds of the Eastern Military District of Russia from 01 to 07 September 2022. The exercise is aimed at interaction and coordination amongst other participating military contingents and observers.

The Indian Army contingent comprising of troops from 7/8 Gorkha Rifles had arrived at the exercise location and over the next seven days will undertake joint manoeuvres to include joint field training exercises, combat discussions, and firepower exercises. The Indian Army contingent will look forward to sharing practical aspects and put into practice the validated drills, procedures and practice amalgamation of new technology through discussions and tactical exercises.
Reference: Click here to read…

Prime Minister commissions India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in Kochi.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi commissioned the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vikrant at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on September 02, 2022. During the event, the Prime Minister also unveiled the new Naval Ensign (Nishaan), doing away with the colonial past and befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage. He dedicated the new ensign to Chhatrapati Shivaji.

INS Vikrant is designed by Indian Navy’s in-house Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, a Public Sector Shipyard, Vikrant has been built with state of the art automation features and is the largest ship ever built in maritime history of India. The 262.5 m long and 61.6 m wide Vikrant displaces approx 43,000 T, having a maximum designed speed of 28 Knots with endurance of 7,500 Nautical Miles. The ship has around 2,200 compartments, designed for a crew of around 1,600 including women officers and sailors.

The ship is capable of operating air wing consisting of 30 aircraft comprising of MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) (Navy). Using a novel aircraft-operation mode known as Short Take Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR), INS Vikrant is equipped with a ski-jump for launching aircraft, and a set of ‘arrester wires’ for their recovery onboard. With 76% indigenous content, construction of INS Vikrant has resulted in direct employment generation for over 2,000 employees of CSL. In addition, it has resulted in indirect employment generation for approx 12,500 employees for over 550 OEMs, sub-contractors, ancillary industries and over 100 MSMEs as well, thereby bolstering plough back effect on economy.

New Ensign of Navy

Resonant to the ongoing national endeavour to move away from colonial past, need was felt to transition to a new design that drew inspiration from our history. The White Ensign identified nation-wide with the Navy, now comprises of two main constituents – the National Flag in the upper left canton, and a Navy Blue – Gold octagon at the centre of the fly side (away from the staff). The Octagon is with twin golden octagonal borders encompassing the golden National Emblem (Lion Capital of Ashoka – underscribed with ‘Satyamev Jayate’ in blue Devnagri script) resting atop an anchor; and superimposed on a shield. Below the shield, within the octagon, in a golden bordered ribbon, on a Navy Blue background, is inscribed the motto of the Indian Navy ‘Sam No Varunah’ in golden Devnagriscript. The design encompassed within the octagon has been taken from the Indian Naval crest, wherein the fouled anchor, which is also associated with colonial legacy, has been replaced with a clear anchor underscoring the steadfastness of the Indian Navy.
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Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Manoj Pande, to visit Nepal.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Manoj Pande, is scheduled to visit Nepal from 05 to 08 September 2022. This is his first visit to Nepal as COAS. During his visit, the Army Chief will call on the thePresident of Nepal, the Prime Minister of Nepal and the Chief of the Army Staff of Nepali Army, apart from meeting with the Country’s senior military and civilian leadership where he will discuss avenues for enhancing India-Nepal defence relations.
For more information: Click here to read…

First Ever Visit by Indian Defence Minister to Mongolia.

The RM will pay an official visit to Mongolia from 05-07 September, 2022. The upcoming visit by Raksha Mantri is the first ever visit by an Indian Defence Minister to Mongolia and will further consolidate the defence cooperation and strategic partnership between the two countries. During his visit he inaugurated the Cyber Security Training Centre, built with assistance from Government of India, at National Defence University in Ulaanbaatar. Shri Rajnath Singh, along with Minister of Education and Science of Mongolia, laid the foundation stone of the India-Mongolia Friendship School, which is being established with the assistance from Government of India.
For more information: Click here to read…

Raksha Mantri participates in India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Tokyo.

Upon completion of his visit to Mongolia, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh arrived in Japan on September 07, 2022 for a four-day official visit. The Raksha Mantri, along with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, participated in the 2nd India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Tokyo on September 08, 2022.

The RM held bilateral talks with Minister of Defense of Japan Mr Yasukazu Hamada in Tokyo on September 08, 2022. The two Ministers reviewed various aspects of bilateral defence cooperation as well as regional affairs. During the delegation-level talks, Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted that the growing complexities in the India-Japan bilateral defence exercises is a testimony to the deepening of defence cooperation between the two countries. The Ministers expressed their commitment in continuing bilateral and multilateral exercises including ‘Dharma Guardian’, ‘JIMEX’ and ‘Malabar’. They welcomed the operationalisation of the Reciprocal Provision of Supply and Services Agreement during Exercise ‘MILAN’ in March this year. The two Ministers agreed that the early conduct of the inaugural fighter exercise will pave way for much greater cooperation and interoperability between the Air Forces of the two countries.

The RM emphasised on the need to expand the scope of partnership in the field of Defence Equipment and Technological Cooperation. He invited Japanese industries to invest in India’s defence corridors where a conducive environment for the growth of the defence industry has been created by the Government of India. This year marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan. As two robust democracies, the two countries are pursuing a Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
For more Information: Click here to read…

CoE – SURVEI standardizes Drone images for land Survey.

Setting World’s first standard on land survey using drone, the Ministry of Defense’s Centre of Excellence – Satellite and Unmanned Remote Vehicle Initiative (CoE – SURVEI) has published a draft concept paper prescribing the technical parameters which may serve as a reference standard to estimate the image quality of drone survey output. The COE-SURVEI has solicited comments from the stakeholders in this regard for laying down uniform standards to evaluate quality of output of drone images for purpose of land survey. At present no uniform parameters exist for evaluation of images obtained by the use of drones for the purpose of land survey at present. This poses a challenge in carrying out post-processing analysis on the drone imagery output, restricting the ability to extract relevant information from drone data by using AI & ML tools.

CoE – SURVEI, in association with its knowledge partners has taken a lead in developing draft standards for drone survey output, and published the same for seeking views and wider consultations with drone community and other stakeholders. The draft standards prescribe 19 parameters to evaluate quality of drone output and 8 extension metrics/ techniques to estimate image quality, apart from indicating sample benchmarking from literature.
Reference: Click here to read…

India-U.S.A 2+2 Inter-sessional Dialogue and India-U.S.A Maritime Security Dialogue.

India-USA 2+2 Inter-sessional meeting was held on 07 September 2022 in New Delhi to follow-up on the India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in April 2022 in Washington D.C. Both sides reviewed implementation of outcomes of the 2+2 Ministerial pertaining to bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism, maritime security, education, health, climate and clean energy, critical technologies, space, and people-to-people linkages. They discussed ways to further strengthen the Major Defence Partnership, including in new and emerging areas in the defence domain such as space, AI and cyber.

The 5th India-US Maritime Security Dialogue (MSD) was held on 08 September 2022 in New Delhi. During MSD, the two sides discussed developments in the global maritime domain, bilateral maritime cooperation endeavors, regional support initiatives and collaborative efforts such as Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness. They affirmed their shared desire to enhance maritime security internationally and strengthen cooperation towards a free, open and inclusive maritime order that would support security, inclusive growth and prosperity.
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16th round of India China Corps Commander Level Meeting.

On 8th September 2022, according to the consensus reached in the 16th round of India China Corps Commander Level Meeting, the Indian and Chinese troops in the area of Gogra-Hotsprings (PP-15) have begun to disengage in a coordinated and planned way, which is conducive to the peace and tranquility in the border areas.
Reference: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1857830″ target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

1st Indian Army Logistics seminar held.

In the keynote address at the conference at the first Indian Army Logistics seminar, organised on the theme ‘Samanjasya Se Shakti’, in New Delhi on September 12, 2022, the RM termed jointness among the three services as one of the major policy changes made in Ministry of Defence in the last few years, which has benefited a number of sectors across the board, especially logistics. He said, the foundation has been laid to establish a strong logistics system, which is pivotal for operational preparedness of the Armed Forces as it ensures that right items, with right quality & quantity, are available to the military at the right time and right place. Military logistics is an extremely important aspect that determines the outcome of a war, he said.
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Japan-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise – Jimex 2022.

The sixth edition of Japan India Maritime Exercise 2022 (JIMEX 22) hosted by Indian Navy commenced in the Bay of Bengal on 11 Sep 22. This edition marks the 10th anniversary of JIMEX, which began in Japan in 2012. It also coincides with the 70th anniversary of establishing of diplomatic relations between India and Japan. JIMEX 22 seeks to consolidate the high degree of interoperability that exists between maritime forces of the two countries, through complex exercises in the surface, sub-surface and air domains.
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Exercise Pitch Black 2022 Concludes.

The Indian Air Force contingent participating in Exercise Pitch Black 22 in Australia has returned after successful participation in the multinational exercise. Exercise Pitch Black 22 was hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force at its Darwin Air Base. Spanning over a duration of three weeks, the exercise saw the participation of 17 Air Forces and over 2500 military personnel. The IAF contingent included four Su-30 MKI & two C-17 aircraft. The participating forces took part in various multi-aircraft combat drills by day & night, simulating complex aerial scenarios, involving large formations.
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Multinational Exercise Kakadu – 2022.

INS Satpura and a P8 I Maritime Patrol Aircraft of the Indian Navy reached Darwin in Australia on 12 Sep 22, for participation in the multinational Exercise Kakadu – 2022, hosted by the Royal Australian Navy. The two week-long Exercise, both in harbour and sea, involves ships and maritime aircraft from 14 navies.
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36th Tri-Services Commanders’ Conference – South held in Port Blair.

36th Tri-Services Commanders’ Conference (TSCC) – South was held at Port Blair on 12th & 13th September 2022 under the aegis of Andaman and Nicobar Command. The two-day conference was hosted by Commander-in-Chief, Andaman Nicobar Command Lt Gen Ajai Singh. GOC-in-C, Southern Command Lt Gen JS Nain; FOC-in-C, Western Naval Command V Adm Ajendra Bahadur Singh; FOC-in-C, Southern Naval Command V Adm MA Hampiholi; AOC-in-C, Southern Air Command Air Mshl J Chalapati and Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command V Adm Sanjay Vatsayan were among those who attended the conference.

The senior leadership deliberated upon aspects various pertaining to the geostrategic situation and infrastructure development in the Indian Ocean Region, coordinating the actions of Regional Command of the three services as well as avenues of augmenting tri-services training and readiness of all components. The conference was aimed at synergising collective strengths and capabilities of India’s littoral service and Integrated-Service commands. It focused on addressing contemporary security paradigms while seeking ways to enhance combat capability and make operations more effective and efficient.
Reference: Click here to read…

Raksha Mantri’s (RM) telephonic conversation with US Secretary of Defence.

The RM and his US counterpart Secretary of Defence Mr Lloyd Austin had a warm and fruitful telephonic conversation on 14th Sep. They reviewed the multi-faceted India-US defence cooperation and reiterated mutual commitment to further strengthen military-to-military ties. The RM and Secretary Austin also discussed regional issues and affirmed their shared desire for maintaining peace and stability in the region and beyond. Shri Rajnath Singh conveyed India’s concerns over the US decision to provide sustenance package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet.
For more information: Click here to read…

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa
Somalia
Somalian forces eliminated senior al-Shabaab terrorist and freed hostages in Lower Shabelle region.

On 10 September 2022, the Somali National Army (SNA) carried out counter-terrorism (CT) operation and killed al-Qa’ida affiliated al-Shabaab’s leader Carab, and injured other senior members, in the town of Mubaarak of Lower Shabelle region in southwest to Mogadishu, according to a statement issued by Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism. During the operation, the security forces freed several civilians who were being held by al-Shabaab in the Centre.
For more information: Click here to read…

Afghanistan
“JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar in Pakistan,” claimed Taliban.

In response to Pakistan’s letter to Afghanistan for the arrest of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, Taliban’s spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid denied the presence of Masood Azhar in Afghanistan, as accused by Pakistan. “The leader of JeM group is not here [Afghanistan]. This is an organisation which could be in Pakistan. We have heard about this in news. Our [Taliban] reaction is that this is not true,” said Zabiullah Mujahid. “We also call on all parties to refrain from such allegations lacking any proof and documentation. Such media allegations can adversely affect bilateral relations between Kabul and Islamabad,” said Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesman of Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic State-led suicide attack killed two diplomats at Russian Embassy in Kabul.

On 05 September 2022, a suicide bombing outside the Russian Embassy in Kabul killed two officials of the embassy staff and at least one civilian. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry and State news agency— RIA Novosti, the explosion occurred at the entrance to the embassy’s consular section where several Afghans were waiting for the update on their visa applications. The Islamic State claimed the responsibility of the attack.

The incident is the recent in a series of attacks since the Taliban seized Kabul a year ago. The explosion appeared to be first of its kind to target a foreign diplomatic mission in Kabul.
For more information: Click here to read…

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
NIA filed chargesheet against six perpetrators in the “targeted killing of Sarpanch of Village” case.

On 09 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed chargesheet against six perpetrators in the case related to the targeted killing of the Sarpanch Shabir Ahmad Mir, Sarpanch of village Adoora in Kulgam district. The killing was carried by Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorists.

Aside from this incident, carrying out targeted killings in Kashmir Valley was a part of a larger plot by HM and other terrorist organisations to disturb the peace, undermine the Panchayti Raj System’s established democratic process in Kashmir Valley, as well as to instil fear among the region’s political leaders.
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NIA filed chargesheet against eight terrorists/OGWs in “Pulwama JeM conspiracy” case.

On 07 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed chargesheet in NIA Special Court, Jammu, against eight terrorists, including Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) to execute terrorist activities against security forces in Southern Kashmir.

The investigations in the case— RC-02/2022/NIA/JMU have revealed that the chargesheet terrorists/OGWs had provided shelter, transportation, and other logistics support to JeM terrorists— Aquaib Mushtaq Bhat (local) and Kamaal Bhai (Pakistani), who were conspiring to carry out terrorist acts against security forces.
For more information: Click here to read…

Security forces eliminated two HM terrorists in gunfight in Anantnag.

On 06 September 2022, security forces killed two Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorists— Danish Bhat and Basharat Nabi, in a gunfight in Pooshkreeri area of Srigufwara in Bijbehara area in Anantnag district of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Both terrorists were involved in the killing of a Territorial Army (TA) officer— Saleem Pandit in Bijbehara and two civilians in Jablipora area in Anantnag district in 2021.

More than 130 terrorists have been killed this year, including 32 Pakistani national. Terrorists have been targeting Kashmiri Pandits, non-locals, policemen on leave, and politically-affiliated locals.
For more information: Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism
NIA searched multiple locations in Bihar in the “Maoist Terror Funding” case.

On 07 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out search operations at five locations in Jehanabad, Gaya, and Aurangabad districts of Bihar in Maoist terror-funding case in the Magadh region of Bihar for the revival of Magadh Zone of the CPI (Maoist).
For more information: Click here to read…

Police arrested two Maoists from Telangana.

In a joint operation with CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) personnel, Charla Police, on 13 September 2022, arrested two Maoists— i) Vando Joga, and ii) Ravva Ungal, from Korakatpadu forest area in Charla Mandal of Bhadradri-Kothagudem district in Telangana. Both arrested Maoists were members of a Maoist dalam led by Charla Local Organising Squad (LOS) commander Rajitha that planned to install landmines in the Kurnapalli-Bodanelli forest area in early September 2022 to kill police officers.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA filed chargesheet against two Maoists in “PGLA Recruitment case” of Kerala.

On 03 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet against two Maoists in connection with the case— RC-01/2022/NIA/KOC which pertains to recruitment and training of youth by the CPI (Maoist) and their front organisations besides organising camps to further carry out their activities and spread of Maoist ideologies.
For more information: Click here to read…

Security forces unearthed a Maoist dump in Andhra Pradesh.

On 08 September 2022, security forces comprising of Alluri Sitarama Raju district special police and CRPF force of 198 and 234 Battalions, in a joint combing operation, discovered a huge Maoist dump in a forest area near Jakkam village in Pedabayalu mandal in Visakhapatanam district in Andhra Pradesh.

“Articles such as communication manpack trans-receivers and a large quantity of Cordtex (detonating cord is a thin, flexible plastic tube filled with pentaerythritol) were found in the dump and police analysed its intensity of explosion by material,” said Alluri Sitarama Raju district Superintendent of Police (SP) Sateesh Kumar.
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
NIA Special Court (Ernakulam) convicted IS terrorist in “IS Wandoor Case” of Kerala.

On 14 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, Ernakulam, convicted an Islamic State (IS) terrorist— Shaibu Nihar V.K., under Sections 120B r/w 125 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), r/w Sec 38, 39 and 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], and also separately u/s 125 IPC, 38, 39 and 40 of the UA(P)A.

As per investigation, Shaibu Nihar had raised funds with intention of furthering the activities of IS and provided the same to co-accused of their intended travel to Syria. The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on 19 September 2022.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA officials searched multiple locations in Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, in the “PFI conspiracy” case.

On 08 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched 20 locations in nine districts of Bihar, including Nalanda, Katihar, Arariya, Madhubani, Patna, Vaishali, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, and Saran. Along with, as a separate incident, NIA officials searched locations at Shiv Ganga district in Tamil Nadu and South Kannada district in Karnataka in connection with the case— RC-31/2022/NIA/DLI pertaining to the involvement of Popular Front of India (PFI) in anti-national activities.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA filed chargesheet against six JMB terrorists in “JMB Bhopal” case.

On 07 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed chargesheet against six Jamaat ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) terrorists— i) Fazar Ali, ii) Waliullah Milon, iii) Jainul Abidin, iv) Aqeel Ahmad Shaikh, v) Abdul Karim, and vi) Sheban Khan, in the case related to the arrest of six JMB terrorists, including three illegal Bangladeshi nationals, from Bhopal. The terrorists were involved in propagating JMB ideology and motivating youth to carryout jihad against India.
For more information: Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism
Canada-based think-tank endorsed “Khalistan Referendum”.

In a press conference in Toronto and a virtual discussion, the chairman and members of the “Punjab Referendum Commission (PRC)”, released a report titled From Golden Temple to Punjab Independence, advocating the so-called Khalistan Referendum. The report was jointly published by Canada-based Research Institute on Self-Determination of Peoples and National (IRAI). The report reviewed the validity of ongoing Sikh secessionist referendum under international laws and established democratic norms.
“The referendum voting in the UK and European capitals had been a huge success and registered as a new model of campaigning. The model followed by Sikh for Justice (SFJ) can serve as a beacon for all those nations, ethnicities and groups who want to obtain their right to self-determination through peaceful ways,” said Matt Qvortrup, Chair of the PRC and academician at the Coventry University, UK.
For more information: Click here to read…

North-East India Insurgency
NIA searched locations in Mizoram in connection with pilferage of explosives from India to Myanmar.

On 13 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched two locations in Aizwal district in Mizoram in connection with the case of recovery of 2,400 kilograms of explosives, including 1,000 detonators, and 4,500 metres of detonating wire, cash of worth ₹ 73,500 and 9,35,500 Kyat (Myanmar currency unit).

Investigation revealed that the consignment of explosives was meant for the Myanmar based outfit— Chin National Front (CNF) which has been accumulating arms, ammunition and explosives for armed struggle against the Government of Myanmar. In the case— RC-09/2022/NIA/DLI, NIA had arrested and filed chargesheet against three accused on 19 April 2022.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA searched multiple locations in Assam in connection with ULFA recruitment case.

On 02 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched 16 locations in seven districts of Assam, including Kamrup, Nalbari, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sadiya, Charaideo, and Sibasagar in the case— RC-23/2022/NIA/DLI pertaining to the recruitment and other activities of ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom), and their training camps based across the India-Myanmar border in Myanmar.
For more information: Click here to read…

Narcotics Trafficking
NIA officials arrested three people in “Mundra Heroin” case.

On 14 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested three people— i) Rah Matullah (permanent resident of Kabul, Afghanistan), ii) Ishwinder Singh, and iii) Jasbir Singh, for their active involvement in smuggling of heroin in large consignments camouflaged in containers of talc stones, bituminous coal, through maritime road.

The case involves one of the greatest international drug smuggling syndicates, which is run by the “Daad brothers”—Hassan Daad and Hussain Daad (both Afghan nationals), who are already wanted by the NIA in the Mundra case. The duo has smuggled many consignments of heroin into India, camouflaged in seemingly benign consignments of products such as semi-processed Talc stones and Bituminous coal. These consignments were imported through various Indian ports, including Mundra, Gujarat, and Kolkata, and then trucked to New Delhi. The investigation uncovered a vast and widespread network of drug traffickers, international facilitators/conduits, importers using fake/shell companies, distributors, and local wholesalers and retailers operating a massive international drug smuggling racket from a variety of countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

VIF NEWS DIGEST: NATIONAL SECURITY – DEFENCE STUDIES & TERRORISM (16-31 August 2022)

DEFENCE

  • Chief of Royal Malaysian Navy is on an official visit to India.
  • Ex UDARASHAKTI between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) culminates.
  • Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise VINBAX 2022 concludes.
  • Indian Air Force contingent has reached Australia for participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2022.
  • Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
  • India delivers the 10th batch of medical assistance to Afghanistan.
  • Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with Tanzanian Minister of Defence.
  • The third Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) of 780 strategically important Line Replacement Units (LRUs)/Sub-systems/Components approved.
  • 13th Edition of India – USA Joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR 2022 culminates.

NATIONAL TERRORISM

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa
Nigeria
  • Security forces destroyed Boko Haram markets in Borno State.
Somalia
  • Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked a hotel and killed 12 people in Mogadishu.
Afghanistan
  • At the UNSC, India highlighted significant increase in IS-KP presence in Afghanistan.
  • “Taliban have not found the body of Ayman al-Zawahiri”: Taliban spokesperson.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
  • NIA officials searched multiple locations in UT of J&K in ‘Drone’ case.
  • SIA and CID of J&K police arrested a terror financer from IGI Airport, Delhi.
  • Security forces eliminated two LeT terrorists in Shopian.
  • Police arrested three LeT terrorists from Baramulla.
Left-Wing Extremism
  • Two Maoists, including a section commander, surrendered in Telangana.
  • Over 500 Maoist sympathisers surrendered before Odisha police.
Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
  • NIA filed chargesheet against four Islamic extremists in ‘Mayiladuthurai PS case’ of Tamil Nadu.
  • India security agencies on vigil over IS suicide bomber’s confession.
  • UP police arrested a JeM terrorist form Lucknow.
Narcotics Trafficking
  • NIA filed supplementary chargesheet against nine narcotics traffickers in ‘Mundra Drugs’ case.

DEFENCE

Chief of Royal Malaysian Navy is on an official visit to India.

Admiral Tan Sri Mohd Reza Bin Mohd Sany, Chief of Royal Malaysian Navy is on an official visit to India from 16 to 19 Aug 22. Adm Mohd Reza called on Adm R Hari Kumar, CNS and discussed the progress of ongoing bilateral engagements in the maritime domain. He was also briefed on the broad range of Foreign Cooperation activities pursued by the Indian Navy. The leaders identified several new avenues for further strengthening bilateral naval cooperation and also expressed commitment to their support to uphold the principle of collective responsibility for maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
For more information: Click here to read…

Ex UDARASHAKTI between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) culminates.

The bilateral exercise, Ex UDARASHAKTI between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) culminated at the RMAF Air Base Kuantan on 16 Aug 2022. Spanning four days, the exercise saw the two Air Forces work in cohesion through a series of complex aerial combat drills in multiple domains and exercise settings. The exercise was characterised by the display of a high degree of professionalism by all participants. Ex UDARASHAKTI provided both the Air Forces, an opportunity to share each other’s’ best practices. The culmination of the exercise was marked by a traditional closing ceremony and a seven aircraft formation flypast of Su-30MKI & Su-30 MKM aircraft over the air base.
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Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise VINBAX 2022 concludes.

Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise VINBAX 2022 concluded at Chandimandir with an display of Multi Agency Humanitarian Assistance in Disaster Relief (HADR) demonstration and an equipment display showcasing the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The exercise had commenced on 01 August and was focused on deployment of Army Engineer and Medical teams in UN Peacekeeping operations. It was the first time that the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) was undertaking a Field Training Exercise with any foreign Army. Over a period of three weeks, the soldiers of the two Armies worked with each other while learning and sharing best practices. The next edition of VINBAX will be hosted in Vietnam in 2023.
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Indian Air Force contingent has reached Australia for participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2022.

An Indian Air Force contingent has reached Australia for participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2022 scheduled to be held from 19 Aug 22 to 08 Sep 22 in Darwin. This is a biennial, multi-national exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It will focus on Large Force Employment warfare. The last edition was conducted in 2018. The 2020 edition of the exercise was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s exercise will see the participation of over 100 aircraft and 2500 military personnel from various air forces. The IAF contingent, comprises over 100 air warriors, deployed with four Su-30 MKI fighter and two C-17 aircraft. They will undertake multi-domain air combat missions in a complex environment and will exchange best practices with the participating air forces.
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Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh attends Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Raksha Mantri (RM) Shri Rajnath Singh, on August 23, 2022, reached Tashkent, Uzbekistan on a three-day official visit. On the first day the RM held bilateral meetings with his Uzbek counterpart Lieutenant General Bakhodir Kurbanov; Defence Minister of Kazakhstan Colonel General Zhaksylykov Ruslan Zhakslykov and Belarusian Defence Minister Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin. The entire spectrum of defence cooperation with the three countries was reviewed during the meetings, with focus on identifying avenues to expand mutually beneficial collaboration. Issues of mutual interest were also discussed.

Addressing the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting at Tashkent, Uzbekistan on August 24, 2022, the Raksha Mantri asserted that terrorism in any form, including cross-border terrorism, committed by anyone and for whatever purpose, is a crime against humanity. In this context, the Raksha Mantri proposed to host a workshop in India in 2023 on the theme ‘Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief – Risk mitigation and Disaster Resilient Infrastructure’ for the Defence Ministries of SCO Member States. He also suggested an annual seminar on ‘Topic of Interest’ among the defence think tanks of SCO countries. “We propose to organise the first such defence think tank seminar in India in 2023,” he added.

The Raksha Mantri met with Defence Minister of Kyrgyzstan also and during exchange of pleasantries with Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu the RM conveyed his deep appreciation for arresting in Moscow a terrorist who was planning attacks in India.
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India delivers the 10th batch of medical assistance to Afghanistan.

India supplied the tenth batch of medical assistance as part of India’s ongoing humanitarian assistance. The same was handed over to the Indira Gandhi Hospital, Kabul. In view of the urgent appeals made by the United Nations to assist the Afghan people, India has, so far, supplied 32 tons of medical assistance in ten batches, which includes essential life saving medicines, anti-TB medicines, 500,000 doses of COVID vaccine etc. These medical consignments have been handed over to the World Health Organization(WHO) and Indira Gandhi Children Hospital, Kabul.
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Raksha Mantri (RM) will hold bilateral talks with Tanzanian Minister of Defence.

RM held bilateral talks with Tanzanian Minister of Defence and National Service Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax in New Delhi on August 26, 2022. A wide range of issues concerning bilateral, regional and defence industrial cooperation were discussed during the meeting. The two Ministers reviewed the existing military-to-military activities and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in all domains with a focus on defence industry cooperation. Both the Ministers agreed to the formation of a Task Force to prepare a Five Year Future Road map for enhancing defence cooperation between both the countries and to hold the next Joint Defence Cooperation meeting in Tanzania at an early date. The Raksha Mantri also invited his Tanzanian counterpart to the India-Africa Defence Dialogue and DefExpo which is scheduled to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from 18-22 October, 2022.
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The third Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) of 780 strategically important Line Replacement Units (LRUs)/Sub-systems/Components approved.

In pursuit of self-reliance in defence manufacturing and to minimise imports by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’, RM has approved the third Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) of 780 strategically important Line Replacement Units (LRUs)/Sub-systems/Components with a timeline beyond which they will only be procured from the domestic industry. This list is in continuation to the two PILs of LRUs/Sub-systems/Assemblies/Sub-assemblies/Components that were published in December 2021 and March 2022. These lists contain 2,500 items which are already indigenised and 458 (351+107) items which will be indigenised within the given timelines. Out of 458, 167 items (1st PIL -163, 2nd PIL – 4) have been indigenised, so far.
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13th Edition of India – USA Joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR 2022 culminates.

The 13th Edition of India – USA Joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR 2022 culminated at Bakloh (HP) on 28 August 2022. This annual exercise is hosted alternatively between India and the United States. The 12th edition was conducted at Joint Base Lewis Mc Chord, Washington (USA) in October 2021.

The 21-day joint training provided an opportunity for the Special Forces from both nations to train in Air Borne Operations, Special Operations and Counter Terrorism operations in a joint environment under United Nations Charter. The exercise was conducted in two phases; the first phase involved combat conditioning and tactical level special missions training exercises and the second phase included 48 hours of validation of training received by both contingents in the first phase.
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INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Nigeria
Security forces destroyed Boko Haram markets in Borno State.

On 24 August 2022, the troops of Nigeria’s security forces’ 21 Armoured Brigade attacked and destroyed Boko Haram markets in Bama Local Council of Borno State, and also eliminated six Boko Haram terrorists manning the market. “Troops in collaboration with the civilian joint task force, stormed an illegal market at Bararam village where terrorists were trading food items, used clothes, petrol, and drugs,” said Zagazola Makama— counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region.
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Somalia
Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked a hotel and killed at least 20 people in Mogadishu.

On 19 August 2022, al-Shabaab terrorists attacked a hotel and killed at least 20 people in Mogadishu; although some local media reported that the death toll could be higher. After the initial attack, a website affiliated with al-Shabaab claimed that terrorists were carrying out random shootings at the hotel— a prime location for employees of the federal government to meet. According to police spokesperson, the initial attack on the hotel was carried out by two car bombs. Al-Shabaab control much of the southern and central parts of Somalia, but has been successful to extend its influence into areas controlled by the government based in Mogadishu.
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Afghanistan
At the UNSC, India highlighted significant increase in IS-KP presence in Afghanistan.

At the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), India highlighted the significant presence and rise of Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP)’s capabilities to carry out attack in Afghanistan. India warned the UNSC about the linkages between proscribed terror groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), posing a direct threat to the region’s peace and stability.

“As we have repeatedly stated at the UNSC, India has direct stakes in ensuring the return of peace and stability, given our position as a contiguous neighbour and long-standing partner of Afghanistan, as well as our strong historical and civilisational linkages to the Afghan people,” said India’s Permanent Representative the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj.
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“Taliban have not found the body of Ayman al-Zawahiri”: Taliban spokesperson.

Taliban spokesperson— Zabihullah Mujahid, on 25 August 2022, said that they have not found the body of Ayman al-Zawahiri, the former al-Qa’ida leader, after the United States (US) claimed to kill the leader in a drone strike in Kabul in August 2022.
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SIA and CID of J&K police arrested a terror financer from IGI Airport, Delhi.

On 25 August 2022, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) and Counter-Intelligence Unit (CIU) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police arrested a terror financer— Farooq Ahmad Naikoo aka Farooq Tendulkar, at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, Delhi. Farooq was deported from United Arab Emirates (UAE) and arrested at the airport for his alleged involvement in a terror funding case. “Farooq’s name appeared in various terror financing transactions during the investigation of the case and further investigation about his role was being investigated by the SIA officials,” said an official on the basis of anonymity.
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Security forces eliminated two LeT terrorists in Shopian.

On 30 August 2022, security forces killed two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in a counter-terrorism operation in Nagbal area of Shopian district in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Following the inputs about terrorists’ presence in the area, security forces initiated the Cordon And Search operation and engaged in an exchange of fire with terrorists.
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Police arrested three LeT terrorists from Baramulla.

On 26 August 2022, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police arrested three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists— i) Shariq Ashraf, ii) Saqlain Mushtaq, and iii) Taufiq Hasan Sheikh, from Bomai Chowk area in Sopore of Baramulla district. The joint operation involved 22 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and 179 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

Upon arrest, police personnel recovered three hand grenades, 09 posters, and 12 Pakistani flags from terrorists. In another incident a day before i.e., on 25 August, security forces eliminated three infiltrators near the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri sector of J&K and recovered a Chinese-made M16 rifle from their possession.
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Left-Wing Extremism
Two Maoists, including a section commander, surrendered in Telangana.

On 24 August 2022, two Chhattisgarh-based Maoists— i) Deva, a section commander, and ii) Madvi Pojja, a militia member, surrendered before Superintendent of Police (SP) G. Vineeth in Kothagudem in Telangana. Deva was active in Maddedu, Bhairamgarh, and Gangaluru in Dandakaranya forest area and was also involved in four different incidents of conflict with police personnel in West Bastar division.
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Over 500 Maoist sympathisers surrendered before Odisha police.

On 22 August 2022, more than 500 Maoists sympathisers surrendered before police in Swabhiman Anchal area of Malkangiri district in Odisha. “After surrender of 295 Maoists sympathisers before police on 11 June 2022, another 500 of Ralegada surrendered before Malkangiri police and BSF personnel. They were motivated by the welfare work of the Odisha government,” tweeted the Director-General of Police (DGP) S K Bansal.

The Maoist supporters included both men and women from Dabal Pahad, Ralegada, Chintalduli, Korrapalli, Tekpadar, Palankrayi, Tatipahad, Eskapalli, Sarukabandha, Durgam, Banajholi, Chikatpalli, Jajpalli, Gajalmamidi, Sitapalli villages in Ralegada gram panchayat area under the jurisdiction of Papermetla police station. Before surrendering, the Maoist supporters burnt the dress materials of Maoists and demolished the Maoist ‘Martyr Pillar’ and shouted slogans— Maobadi Murdabad (death to the Maoist ideology).
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Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
NIA filed chargesheet against four Islamic extremists in ‘Mayiladuthurai PS case’ of Tamil Nadu.

On 18 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet against four Islamic extremists— i) Sathik Batcha, ii) R. Ashiq, iii) A. Mohammad Irfan, and iv) Rahamathulla, at the NIA Special Court, Chennai. The case— RC-20/2022/NIA/DLI pertains to a conspiracy by five Islamic extremists for threatening public and also attempting to kill police personnel during vehicle checking on 21 February 2022. All four chargesheet extremists were involved in forming terror modules, including ‘Khilafah Party of India’, ‘Khilafah Front of India’, ‘Intellectual Students of India’, and associating themselves with proscribed terror organisations, such as al-Qa’ida, Islamic State (IS), and National Thowheed Jamaat (NTJ) of Sri Lanka.
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Russia’s FSB arrested an IS terrorist plotting an attack on Indian politician over prophet Mohammad controversy.

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), on 22 August 2022, arrested a Central Asian nation citizen and an Islamic State (IS) terrorist— Azamov Mashahont, who underwent a special training to carry out a suicide attack against a member of Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) for the comments on prophet Mohammad.

According to the confession made by Mashahont, he was radicalised online by the IS operatives through Telegram application. As per the conspiracy, he travelled from Turkey to Russia and was in process to fly for India. During the interrogation, he confirmed that he would have received explosives, detonators, and other equipment necessary for a suicide bombing from a contact in India after his arrival from Russia.
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UP police arrested a JeM terrorist form Lucknow.

On 12 August 2022, Uttar Pradesh police’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist— Muhammad Nadeem, from Saharanpur. Preliminary interrogation revealed that since 2018, Muhammad Nadeem was in touch with his handlers based in Pakistan and on their behest, he was conspiring to carryout terrorist attacks in many places in the State. Allegedly, he was also tasked to kill suspended BJP leader— Nupur Sharma.

“He (Nadeem) was in contact with several handlers on Afghanistan-Pakistan border, and they encouraged him to conduct anti-India activities. He was trained for lone-wolf attacks by knife and was ready to travel to Af-Pak region for further training,” said Prashant Kumar, Additional Director-General (ADG) of Police (Law and Order).
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Narcotics Trafficking
NIA filed supplementary chargesheet against nine narcotics traffickers in ‘Mundra Drugs’ case.

On 29 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed supplementary chargesheet against nine narcotics traffickers— i) Sarabjit Singh, ii) Jannat Gul Kaker, iii) Mujahid Shinwari, iv) Shami Ullah, v) Mohammad Lal Kaker, vi) Imtiaz Ahmed, vii) Imran Ahmed, viii) Balwinder Singh, and ix) Jasvir Singh, in the NIA Special Court, Ahmedabad, in connection with Mundra drugs seizure case.

The case—RC-26/2021/NIA/DLI pertains to the seizure of total 2988.21 kilograms of Heroin between 17-19 September 2021 at Container Freight Station, Mundra Port, Gujarat by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). The consignment was concealed in semi-processed talc stone. The traffickers are members of the international drugs smuggling network involved in trafficking of Heroin from Afghanistan to India for further distribution in Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and other States of India.

Earlier on 24 August 2022, NIA officials carried out search operations at 20 locations in various States— 14 locations in Delhi, 02 locations in Gujarat, 01 location in Punjab, and 03 locations in West Bengal in connection with the same case. The investigation into the entire supply chain and network of money laundering, drug distribution, and other players involved in this international drug network is still ongoing.
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VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 1-15 August 2022

DEFENCE

  • RIMPAC – 2022.
  • DRDO successfully test fires indigenously developed laser-guided ATGMs.
  • Tejas Fighter Aircraft.
  • Army Design Bureau has signed a MoU with the Drone Federation of India.
  • 13th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “Ex Vajra Prahar 2022”.
  • 12th Def Expo to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
  • Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) flew three indigenous platforms, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40).
  • Repair of a US Navy Ship in India.
  • 4th India-Bangladesh Annual Defence Dialogue.
  • Indian Air Force to participate in bilateral exercise hosted by Malaysia.
  • Indo Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najaf IV concluded.
  • Bengaluru-based start-up innovates communication through Quantum Key Distribution Systems.
  • India gifts Dornier aircraft to strengthen maritime security of Sri Lanka.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa
Nigeria
  • Around 1,755 Boko Haram terrorists surrendered during the Operation HADIN KAI at various locations.
Niger
  • Several Boko Haram terrorists were killed in an airstrike in Shiroro LGA.
Afghanistan
  • Islamic State carried out an attack in Kabul and killed a prominent Taliban cleric.
  • “Al-Qa’ida has not reconstituted its presence in Afghanistan,” claimed new US intelligence assessment.
  • Islamic State claimed responsibility for a bomb attack in Kabul.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
  • NIA officials searched various locations in Doda and Jammu districts in “JeI-J&K Terror Financing” case.
  • Security forces killed a key LeT terrorist in Budgam.
  • JKGF carried out a grenade attack in Ramban.
Left-Wing Extremism
  • Maoist woman leader surrendered in Andhra Pradesh.
Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
  • NIA officials arrested 10th accused in “Amravati killing case”.
  • Police demolished an illegal madrassa linked with al-Qa’ida in Assam.
  • NIA arrested two JMB operatives from Madhya Pradesh in connection with “JMB Bhopal case”.
  • NIA officials arrested 09th accused in “Udaipur killing case”.
  • NIA officials searched and arrested an IS operative from Delhi.
  • UP ATS arrested an IS operative from Azamgarh.
  • NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet against an al-Qa’ida operative in “al-Qa’ida Lucknow case”.
Khalistan-inspired Extremism
  • SFJ threatened to replace Tiranga with ‘Khalistan’ flag at Attari border in Amritsar, Punjab.
  • Canada-based drug cartels are trying to revive Khalistan movement in India.
  • SFJ announced to hold ‘Canadian phase’ of Khalistan Referendum in September 2022.

DEFENCE

RIMPAC – 2022.

INS Satpura entered Pearl Harbour in Hawaii, USA on 02 Aug 22 on completion of the sea phase of RIMPAC-22, a multilateral exercise conducted over 22 days off Hawaii, USA. RIMPAC-22 is one of the largest multilateral naval exercises in which the Indian Navy participates and the exercise this year has witnessed participation from 26 countries comprising 38 surface ships, 09 land forces, 31 unmanned systems, 170 aircraft and over 2,500 personnel.
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DRDO successfully test fires indigenously developed laser-guided ATGMs.

Indigenously developed Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) were successfully test-fired from Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Army.
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Tejas Fighter Aircraft.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a Defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence responded to a Request for Information (RFI) received from Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), Malaysia in February, 2019 for LCA class aircraft. Subsequently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited responded in October, 2021 to Request for Proposal (RFP) issued against tender released by Royal Malaysian Air Force, Malaysia for 18 nos of Fighter Lead In Trainer – Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT – LCA) and HAL offered LCA Tejas twin seater variant. Other countries which have evinced interest in LCA aircraft are: Argentina, Australia, Egypt, USA, Indonesia, and Philippines.
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Army Design Bureau has signed a MoU with the Drone Federation of India.

The Army Design Bureau on behalf of the Indian Army has signed a MoU with the Drone Federation of India to collaboratively work towards promoting research, development, testing and manufacturing of drones, counter-drone and associated technologies that can assist the Indian Army in its operations.
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13th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “Ex Vajra Prahar 2022”.

The 13th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “Ex Vajra Prahar 2022” commenced at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS), Bakloh (HP) today. The US contingent is represented by personnel from the 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) and Special Tactics Squadron (STS) of US Special Forces and the Indian Army contingent is formed by drawing Special Forces personnel under the aegis of SFTS. This annual exercise is hosted alternatively between India and the United States. The 12th edition was conducted at Joint Base Lewis Mcchord, Washington (USA) in October 2021.

During the course of next 21 days, teams of both armies would jointly train, plan and execute a series of Special Operations, Counter Terrorist Operations, Air Borne operations in simulated conventional and unconventional scenarios in mountainous terrain.
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12th Def Expo to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujrat.

The 12th edition of DefExpo – India’s flagship exhibition on Land, Naval and Homeland Security systems – will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from October 18-22, 2022. The five-day event will witness three business days followed by two public days. It was postponed in March 2022 due to logistical problems being faced by the participants.
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Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) flew three indigenous platforms, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40).

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) was on a two day visit to Bangalore. He flew three indigenous platforms, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40), which are being inducted into IAF as part of its drive towards Atmanirbharta.
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Repair of a US Navy Ship in India.

US Navy Ship (USNS) Charles Drew arrived at L&T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli, Chennai on August 07, 2022 for undertaking repairs and allied services. This is the first ever repair of a US Navy ship in India. The US Navy had awarded a contract to L&T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli for undertaking maintenance of the ship. The USNS Charles Drew will be at Kattupalli shipyard for a period of 11 days and undergo repairs in various areas.
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4th India-Bangladesh Annual Defence Dialogue.

The 4th India-Bangladesh Annual Defence Dialogue, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh Lt Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman, was held in New Delhi on August 11, 2022. During their interaction, they reviewed ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries and expressed satisfaction that collaboration is growing despite difficulties imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Both sides emphasised the need to work closely to implement the USD 500 million line of credit extended from India for defence items.
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Indian Air Force to participate in bilateral exercise hosted by Malaysia

A contingent of the Indian Air Force left for Malaysia today to participate in a bilateral exercise named ‘Udarashakti’. Indian Air Force is participating in the air exercise with Su-30 MKI and C-17 aircraft while the RMAF will be flying Su 30 MKM aircraft. The Indian contingent departed from one of its air bases directly for their destination, the RMAF base of Kuantan. The exercise will give an opportunity to IAF contingent members to share and learn best practices with some of the best professionals from RMAF, while also discussing mutual combat capabilities. The four days of exercise will witness conduct of various aerial combat drills between the two Air Forces. The aim of the exercise was to achieve inter-operability and to acquaint each other with operational procedures and combat drills in a Counter Terrorism environment under United Nations mandate.
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Indo Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najaf IV concluded.
The Indo Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najaf IV concluded at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges today. A solemn Closing Ceremony marked the culmination of the exercise. This platoon level 13 days exercise had commenced on 01 August 2022.
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Bengaluru-based start-up innovates communication through Quantum Key Distribution Systems.

QNu Labs, a Bengaluru-based Deep Tech Start-up, has broken distance barriers by innovating advanced secured communication through Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems. The project was curated by iDEX-DIO with Indian Army. After the successful trials, now the Indian Army has initiated the process of procurement of QKD systems developed by QNu Labs by issuing commercial Request For Proposal (RFP) and its deployment.

Quantum technology has a huge potential for military application and a disruptive impact on modern-day warfare. A QKD system allows creation of a quantum secure secret pair of symmetric keys between two end points, separated by certain distance (in this case, over 150 Kms) in terrestrial optical fiber infrastructure.
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India gifts Dornier aircraft to strengthen maritime security of Sri Lanka.

India gifted a Dornier Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft on 15 August 2022 towards strengthening the maritime security of Sri Lanka at a special event held in Sri Lanka Air Force Base, Katunayake. Navy and Air Force personnel of Sri Lanka who received training in India for close to four months shall operate the aircraft. They will also receive operational support from their Indian counterparts.
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INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa
Nigeria
Around 1,755 Boko Haram terrorists surrendered during the Operation HADIN KAI at various locations.

During a week of the Operation HADIN KAI at various locations in Nigeria, around 1,755 Boko Haram terrorists and their families, comprising of 280 male, 523 females, and 925 Children, surrendered before the Nigerian troops, and handed over to relevant authorities. According to the out-going Defence Media Operations spokesman— Maj Gen Bernard Onyenko, “troops ambushed the hideouts of Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists along Road Uzoro-Gadamayo in Adamawa State.”

Likewise, airstrikes were carried out on 03 August 2022 as a part of Operation HADIN KAI at Degbawa near Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. During the airstrike, a key ISWAP commander— Alhaji Modu aka Bem Bem and his associates were eliminated. “Within a week of the same operation, Nigerian troops eliminated 29 terrorists, arrested 55 terrorists, and rescued 52 civilians. Also, troops recovered 128 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunitions, 05 bicycles, 12 AK-47 rifles, 04 motorbikes, and 05 mobile phones,” confirmed Maj Gen Onyenko.
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Niger
Several Boko Haram terrorists were killed in an airstrike in Shiroro LGA.

On 14 August 2022, the Niger’s Federal Government posted on official Twitter handle that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out an airstrike and have eliminated several Boko Haram terrorists, while attending a meeting called by a key commander— Aminu Duniya, in Kurebe in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA), Niger. The operation was conducted by ground and air force of the Nigerian armed forces.

“While @HQNigerianArmy troops laid siege around the location, @NigAirForce aircraft were directed to the suspected location of the terrorists. Several terrorists were confirmed killed after the strike, though it remains unclear if Aminu Duniya was also neutralized.”— Government of Nigeria (@NigeriaGov).
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Afghanistan
Islamic State carried out an attack in Kabul and killed a prominent Taliban cleric.

On 11 August 2022, the Islamic State (IS) carried out an attack and killed a prominent Taliban cleric— Rahimullah Haqqani, at his religious centre in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to the Taliban officials, the attack was carried out with explosives hidden in a plastic artificial leg. There have been several attacks on Taliban leaders and often target religious & ethnic minorities, since the Taliban came into power forcefully in Afghanistan.
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“Al-Qa’ida has not reconstituted its presence in Afghanistan,” claimed new US intelligence assessment.

According to the recent US intelligence assessment, the consensus view of the intelligence community is that “while fewer than a dozen al-Qa’ida core members remain in Afghanistan, Zawahiri was the only key figure who had tried to re-establish himself in the country after US forces departed.” According to the assessment, any surviving al-Qa’ida militants are not conspiring on an external attack, and the organisation as a whole “does not have capabilities to launch strikes against the United States (US) or its interests abroad from Afghanistan.”

“US will continue to remain vigilant, along with our partners, to defend our nation and ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for terrorism,” said US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson.
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Islamic State claimed responsibility for a bomb attack in Kabul.

On 05 August 2022, Islamic State (IS) terror organisation carried out a bomb blast in which at least eight people were killed and 18 wounded, in a Shi’ite residential area in Kabul in Afghanistan. According to a senior Taliban security official, “explosives were placed in a vegetable cart. There is a possibility of rise in death toll because many of the wounded people had critical wounds.”
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DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
NIA officials searched various locations in Doda and Jammu districts in “JeI-J&K Terror Financing” case.

On 08 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched premises of six suspects in Doda district and one suspect’s house in Jammu district of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), in the case related to Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI)-J&K terror funding case.

The case— RC-03/2021/NIA/DLI related to the financing activities of the JeI-J&K, which even after its declaration as the Unlawful Association in 2019, continues to raise funds in various forms under the shadow of charitable purposes. However, these funds were diverted to terrorist organisations, such as Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and others for carrying out terrorist activities in Kashmir valley and rest of India. During the search, the NIA personnel recovered incriminating material, receipt of funds raised by the JeI-J&K, bank and property related documents, and electronic devices.
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Security forces killed a key LeT terrorist in Budgam.
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)’s terrorist— Lateef Ahmad Rather was involved in killings of several civilians, including Rahul Bhat— a clerk and TV actor— Amreen Bhat in May 2022. On 10 August 2022, security forces killed Lateef Ahmad Rather in exchange of fire in Waterhail area of Budgam district in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

In 2000, Rather joined terrorism and was involved in random terrorist incidents in the Valley. Since March 2022, Rather was directly involved in six terrorist attacks in the various areas of Kashmir.
For more information: Click here to read…

JKGF carried out a grenade attack in Ramban.
On 02 August 2022, terrorists of Jammu-Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF), an off-shoot of terror group— Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) carried out a grenade attack on the police post in Gool area of Ramban district in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). However, the attack was thwarted by the Sentry deployed at the post as he noticed suspicious movement around the post and fired some rounds of ammunition at terrorists. Police found a letter in which JKGF claimed the responsibility of the attack.

To evade international scrutiny and carry-on terrorist activities, post-Pulwama attack in 2019, JeM formed the JKGF terror group. The JKGF comprises of operatives from other terrorist groups, including Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM), al-Badr, Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind (AGuH), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). “A grenade blast has occurred near the premises of police post which falls in the jurisdiction of police station gool. A letter has also been found claiming it to be done by JKGF. The Special Operations Group (SOG) and Army teams have been mobilised for cordon and search. The case has been registered and investigation in progress,” said Mukesh Singh, ADG Jammu.
For more information: https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/grenade-attack-on-police-post-in-ramban-ghaznavi-force-claims-responsibility-articleshow.html” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism
Maoist woman leader surrendered in Andhra Pradesh.

On 06 August 2022, a Maoist woman leader— Podiam Jogamma aka Ritika surrendered before the police in Andhra Pradesh. According to police records, Jogamma was involved in the gun-battle with Chhattisgarh police in 2021 in which 22 police personnel attained Veergati and three Maoists were killed.
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
NIA officials arrested 10th accused in “Amravati killing case”.

On 11 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested Shaikh Shakeel, a 28 years-old, for his alleged involvement in the conspiracy of the murder of Umesh Pralhadrao Kolhe in Amravati, Maharashtra. Earlier, nine accused had already been arrested in the same case on 23 June, 24 June, 25 June, 02 July, and 02 August.
Umesh Pralhadrao Kolhe, a chemist by profession, was killed on 21 June 2022 in Amravati (Maharashtra), a week before the murder of Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
For more information: Click here to read…

Police demolished an illegal madrassa linked with al-Qa’ida-affiliate group in Assam.

On 04 August 2022, Assam police demolished an illegal madrassa managed by alleged ‘funding-handler’ of al-Qa’ida affiliate group— Ansar ul-Islam (AuI) at Moriabari in Morigaon district in Assam. On 27 July 2022, Mufti Mustafa, an operative of al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and the man behind madrassa, was arrested.

So far, total 28 AQIS operatives have been arrested in Assam, including a Bangladeshi national. Assam has already shutdown about 600 State-run madrassas and turned them into regular schools. However, about 1,000 madrassas are still active and operational. The demolition of Moriabari madrassa was in accordance with the Disaster Management Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA arrested two JMB operatives from Madhya Pradesh in connection with “JMB Bhopal case”.

On 07 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested two Jamaat ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) operatives— i) Hamidullah aka Raju Gaji, and ii) Mohammad Sahadat Hussain aka Abidullah, from the Police Station— Eint Khedi in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

The case— RC-11/2022/NIA/DLI is related to the arrest of six JMB operatives, including three illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from Aishbagh in Bhopal. The arrested operatives were involved in propagating JMB ideology and luring the youth to carryout jihad against India. The arrested duo— Hamidullah and Sahadat were close associates of earlier arrested JMB operatives and were communicating with their associates in India and Bangladesh via encrypted application.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA officials arrested 09th accused in “Udaipur killing case”.

On 10 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested Muslim Khan aka Muslim Raza, for his alleged involvement in killing of Kanhaiya Lal Teli, a tailor by profession, in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Muslim Khan is a 09th accused in the same case.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA officials searched and arrested an IS “fund raiser” from Delhi.

On 06 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out a search operation and arrested an Islamic State (IS) operative— Mohsin Ahmad, from Batla House, New Delhi, for his alleged involvement in collection of funds for IS from sympathisers in India as well as abroad.
The case— RC-26/2022/NIA/DLI was registered suo-moto by NIA on 25 June 2022. Allegedly, Mohsin was transferring the funds to Syria and other places in form of cryptocurrency in order to further the activities of IS.
For more information: Click here to read… `

UP ATS arrested an IS operative from Azamgarh.

The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), on 09 August 2022, foiled a conspiracy to target Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) members and arrested an Islamic State (IS) operative— Sabahudeen Azmi from Azamgarh, UP. The ATS team recovered an illegal firearm and raw materials which are useful in preparing a “pipe bomb”. The preliminary investigation revealed that Sabahudeen was in contact with two other IS recruiters— i) Abu Umar, and ii) Abu Bakar al-Shami.
According to the ATS officials, on the basis of anonymity, Sabahudeen was radicalising more people to join IS through social media platforms and also created a Telegram channel ‘Al-Saqr Media’ to brainwash Indian Muslim youth.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet against an al-Qa’ida operative in “al-Qa’ida Lucknow case”.

On 03 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary chargesheet before the NIA Special Court, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, against an al-Qa’ida operative— Umar Halmandi, based on Afghanistan-Pakistan border was radicalising and recruiting youth for the al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Umar was accused of raising an al-Qa’ida module and a chapter of Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind (AGuH) in Lucknow to carryout terrorist activities.
For more information: Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism
SFJ threatened to replace Tiranga with ‘Khalistan’ flag at Attari border in Amritsar, Punjab.

Against Indian government’s campaign of Har Ghar Tiranga (Tiranga in every house), the proscribed unlawful organisation— Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) issued a statement in which its chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu said that his organisation will start the Ghar Ghar Khalistan (Khalistan in every house) campaign and had threatened to replace India’s tallest national flag at the International Border of India-Pakistan at Attari, Amritsar, with the so-called Khalistan flag on 15 August 2022.

In one of the videos circulated on social media, a veiled woman, who identified herself as a ‘Kashmiri Mujahid’, vows support for the Khalistan and called for the removal of Tiranga at the Attari border.
For more information: https://newindian.in/sfj-threatens-to-replace-indias-tallest-tiranga-with-khalistan-flag/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Canada-based drug cartels are trying to revive Khalistan movement in India.

Indian security agencies are suspecting the revival of Khalistan movement in India, which is being handled from Canada and Pakistan by involving the narco-terror network run by India-Canadian gangsters who operate out of Canada. The agencies had been tracking links between the late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala with the India-Canadian criminal network, which has penetrated and entrenched deeply within the Canadian law enforcement, including its intelligence agencies.

According to Indian intelligence officials, pro-Khalistan sentiments are now wielding influence inside Canadian government offices due to the electoral power that some members of their group have in that country.
For more information: Click here to read…

SFJ announced to hold ‘Canadian phase’ of Khalistan Referendum in September 2022.

The banned unlawful organisation— Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) announced to hold ‘Canadian phase’ of Khalistan Referendum on 18 September 2022 in Toronto, Canada. In Referendum, the Canadian-Sikhs will vote on the question— “Should India governed Punjab be an independent country?”. The SFJ named the voting centre in Toronto after “Shaheed Harjinder Singh Pahra”, a young pro-Khalistan Sikh who went back to India from Canada to participate in violent movement against Indian Army’s counter-insurgency operation at the Golden Temple in Amritsar in 1984.

“The referendum will be held in various phases during which the voting will take place across Canada, including cities of Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Surrey,” said the SFJ in a statement.
For more information: Click here to read…

VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 16-31 July 2022

DEFENCE

  • Chief of Army Staff Proceeds on a Three Day Visit to Bangladesh.
  • Prime Minister unveils ‘SPRINT’.
  • Joint Press Release of the 16th Round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting.
  • Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) conducted between Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and Indian Navy.
  • Self-Reliance in Defence Manufacturing.
  • Development Work by Defence Industries.
  • MoD accords high priority to indigenisation of Software Defined Radios for the Armed Forces.
  • iDEX-DIO signs 100th contract for defence innovation.
  • Defence Acquisition Council, approves arms procurement proposals worth Rs 28,732 crore.
  • Second conference on Military Ammunition (Ammo India) inaugurated by RM.
  • Delivery of the prestigious Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant’.
  • Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on a visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan.
  • Royal Army of Oman contingent for joint exercise Al NAJAH-IV arrive in India.
  • Vietnam India bilateral army exercise “Ex VINBAX 2022”.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia
  • “Hizbu’llah has all of Israel in its missile range,” Hizbu’llah leader Nasrallah.
Africa
Ethiopia
  • Al-Shabaab terrorists carried out cross-border attack into Ethiopia’s Somali region.
Somalia
  • US airstrike killed two al-Shabaab terrorists in Lower Juba region.
Nigeria
  • Five Boko Haram terrorists surrendered in Borno State.
Mali
  • Islamist terrorists attacked Mali’s main military base outside Bamako.
Afghanistan
  • “Al-Qa’ida and Islamic State are gaining strength in Afghanistan”, claimed the UNSC report.
  • US killed al-Qa’ida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a counter-terrorism operation in Kabul.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
  • NIA searched multiple locations in Srinagar in “Chanapora Arms Recovery in Srinagar” case.
  • SIA unearthed the nexus between JeM and Punjab-based gangsters.
Left-Wing Extremism
  • NIA arrested a Maoist associate in connection with “Terror Financing by CPI (Maoist) in Bihar” case.
  • Police killed a Maoist in an anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh.
  • NIA searched multiple locations in Jharkhand in connection with “killing of police personnel and looting of arms and ammunition by CPI (Maoists)” case.
  • “Maoist-affected Districts reduced to 46 in 2021”, informed MoS for Home Affairs.
  • NIA arrested a Maoist associate in revival of Magadh zone of CPI (Maoist) case.
Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
  • NIA searched multiple locations in six States in connection with “ISIS module” case.
  • NIA arrested 08th accused in “Udaipur killing” case.
  • NIA searched multiple locations in connection with “PFI Phulwari Sharif” case in Bihar.
  • Khalistan-inspired Extremism
    • India raised concerns at the growth of pro-Khalistan movement in Canada.
    Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) Cases
    • NIA Special Court (Bihar) convicted and sentenced a FICN trafficker in “FICN case of East Champaran, Bihar”.
    Narcotics-Trafficking
    • NIA searched multiple locations in Tamil Nadu in the case of “Narcotics and Arms trafficking to India and Sri Lanka”.

    DEFENCE

    DRDO conducts successful maiden flight of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator.

    Maiden flight of the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator was carried out successfully by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Operating in a fully autonomous mode, the aircraft exhibited a perfect flight, including take-off, way point navigation and a smooth touchdown. It is powered by a small turbofan engine, the airframe, undercarriage and entire flight control and avionics systems used for the aircraft were developed indigenously. This flight marks a major milestone in terms of proving critical technologies towards the development of future unmanned aircraft.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Chief of Army Staff Proceeds on a Three Day Visit to Bangladesh.

    Continuing with the excellent bilateral defence ties between India and Bangladesh, General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) proceeded on a visit to the Bangladesh from 18 to 20 July 2022. This is the first foreign visit by General Manoj Pande since assumption as Army Chief.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Prime Minister unveils ‘SPRINT.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shri Narendra Modi unveiled ‘SPRINT Challenges’, aimed at giving a boost to the usage of indigenous technology in Indian Navy, during Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) seminar ‘Swavlamban’ in New Delhi on July 18, 2022. NIIO, in conjunction with the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), aims to induct at least 75 new indigenous technologies/products into the Indian Navy. This collaborative project is named SPRINT {Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), NIIO and Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC)}. In the last 4-5 years, PM said the defence imports have come down by about 21 per cent. Today we are moving fast from the biggest defence importer to a big exporter. Last year, Rs 13,000 crore worth of defence export was done with more than 70 percent of which being from the private sector, he pointed out.

    In the conference Shri Rajnath Singh informed the Prime Minister that in line with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign, the Indian Navy spent over 64% of its capital budget in domestic procurement in the last financial year and it is expected to increase to 70% in the current financial year.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Joint Press Release of the 16th Round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting.

    The 16th round India- China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side on 17th July 2022.

    Building on the progress made at the last meeting on 11th March 2022, the two sides continued discussions for the resolution of the relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector in a constructive and forward looking manner. They had a frank and in-depth exchange of views in this regard, in keeping with the guidance provided by the State Leaders to work for the resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest. The two sides reaffirmed that the resolution of remaining issues would help in restoration of peace and tranquility along the LAC in the Western Sector and enable progress in bilateral relations. In the interim, the two sides agreed to maintain the security and stability on the ground in the Western Sector. The two sides agreed to stay in close contact and maintain dialogue through military and diplomatic channels and work out a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest.
    Reference: Click here to read…

    Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) conducted between Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and Indian Navy.

    A Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) was conducted between Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and Indian Navy on 23 Jul 22 in Andaman Sea. This exercise is part of the ongoing efforts between the two navies towards ensuring safe and secure international shipping and trade in Indian Ocean Region.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Self-Reliance in Defence Manufacturing.

    The Government has taken several policy initiatives in the past few years and brought in reforms to encourage indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment in the country, thereby expanding the production of indigenous defence equipment. With these actions of the Government, the expenditure on defence procurement from foreign sources which used to be 46% of the overall expenditure has reduced to 36% in the last four years i.e. 2018-19 to 2021-22.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Development Work by Defence Industries.

    In continuous pursuit of achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ and in sync with the announcement made in the Union Budget 2022-23 that allocated 25% of Defence R&D Budget for industry led R&D, 18 (eighteen) major platforms have been identified and announced by the Ministry of Defence for industry led Design & Development under various routes prescribed in Defence Acquisition Procedure-2020, namely, Make-I, Make-II, Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX).
    For more information: Click here to read…

    MoD accords high priority to indigenisation of Software Defined Radios for the Armed Forces.

    Ministry of Defence (MoD) has fast-tracked the indigenisation of Software Defined Radios (SDRs) with country’s premier R&D institutions viz. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur to fulfill the increasing demand by the Armed Forces across a broad spectrum of operations. Two key elements of indigenous SDR technology are the standardised operating software environment (OE) and applications (also known as waveforms) with associated waveforms repository and test/certification facility. Standard OE enables waveform portability and interoperability among SDRs of multiple vendors. Towards this, the Ministry of Defence has taken a decision to define and develop reference implementation of India specific operating environment called India Software Communication Architecture (SCA) profile or Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA).
    For more information: Click here to read…

    iDEX-DIO signs 100th contract for defence innovation.

    iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence), signed its 100th contract on 26 July 2022. Till date, iDEX has launched iDEX Prime, seven rounds of DISC (including DISC SPRINT) and five rounds of OC, receiving more than 4,000 applications from individual innovators, MSMEs and start-ups. More than Rs 250 crore worth of projects have been allocated and procurement of 14 items worth over Rs 400 crore have been cleared. In the last four years, 17 start-ups in 14 projects have already been accorded the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) by Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for trial and procurement in March 2022. Projects from balance of DISC 1 & 2 and some from DISC 3 are nearing completion and may be accorded AoN by DAC by end of current Financial Year.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Defence Acquisition Council, approves arms procurement proposals worth Rs 28,732 crore.

    The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, was held on July 26, 2022. Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Capital Acquisition Proposals of the Armed Forces amounting to Rs 28,732 crore were accorded by the DAC in this meeting under Buy (Indian IDDM) and Buy (Indian) categories giving a further boost to ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence.

    Among the proposals approved by DAC in the meeting are three proposals of the Indian Army, viz. Guided Extended Range Rocket Ammunition, Area Denial Munition Type I and Infantry Combat Vehicle – Command have been designed and developed by DRDO. The total value of these three proposals is Rs 8,599 crore. DAC aslo accorded AoN for Bullet Proof Jackets with Indian Standard BIS VI level of protection. To combat the current complex paradigm of conventional and hybrid warfare and counter terrorism at the borders, AoN for induction of approx. four lakh of Close Quarter Battle Carbines for the Services has also been accorded by the DAC.

    AoN were also accorded for procurement of Autonomous Surveillance and Armed Drone Swarms has been accorded by the DAC under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. The DAC also approved Navy’s proposal to procure upgraded 1250KW capacity Marine Gas Turbine Generator for power generation application onboard Kolkata class of ships through Indian Industry. This will give a major boost to indigenous manufacturing of gas turbine generators. In order to enhance the security in the coastal region of the country, the DAC also approved the proposal of procurement of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for Indian Coast Guard under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) with 60% IC.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Second conference on Military Ammunition (Ammo India) inaugurated by RM.

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called for innovations in the field of ammunition for the creation of a strong and self-reliant base that keeps the Armed Forces fully prepared to deal with future challenges. He was addressing the inaugural session of the second conference on Military Ammunition (Ammo India) on the theme ‘Make in India Opportunities and Challenges’ in New Delhi on July 27, 2022. The Raksha Mantri described advanced ammunition as the reality of the new age warfare, which is a must for India, given its regional & global imperatives and security challenges.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Delivery of the prestigious Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant.

    Indian Navy took delivery of the prestigious Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant on 28 July 2022, from her builder Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi. Designed by Indian Navy’s inhouse Directorate of Naval Design (DND) and built by CSL, a Public Sector Shipyard under Ministry of Shipping (MoS), the carrier is christened after her illustrious predecessor, India’s first Aircraft Carrier. The 262 mtr long carrier has a full displacement of close to 45,000 tonnes which is much larger and advanced than her predecessor. The ship is powered by four Gas Turbines totaling 88 MW power and has a maximum speed of 28 Knots. Built at an overall cost of close to Rs. 20,000 Crs. The ship’s keel was laid in Feb 2009, followed by launching in Aug 2013, with an overall indigenous content of 76%.

    The ship would be capable of operating air wing consisting of 30 aircraft comprising of MIG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) (Navy). Using a novel aircraft-operation mode known as STOBAR (Short Take- Off but Arrested Landing).
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on a visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

    General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has proceeded on a visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan from 29 July. This visit will further enhance the unique and time-tested bilateral relationship, characterised by utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Royal Army of Oman contingent for joint exercise Al NAJAH-IV arrive in India.

    The 4th Edition of India Oman Joint Military Exercise ‘AL NAJAH-IV’ between contingents of Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman is scheduled to take place at the Foreign Training Node of Mahajan Field Firing Ranges (Rajasthan) from 01 to 13 August 2022. The Royal Army of Oman contingent comprising 60 personnel from the Sultan of Oman Parachute Regiment have arrived at the exercise location. The Indian Army is represented by troops from the 18 MECHANISED INFANTRY Battalion. The previous edition of Ex AL NAJAH IV was organised at Muscat from 12 to 25 March 2019.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Vietnam India bilateral army exercise “Ex VINBAX 2022”.

    The 3rd Edition of Vietnam India Bilateral Army Exercise “Ex VINBAX 2022” is scheduled to be conducted at Chandimandir from 01 to 20 Aug 2022. The exercise is a sequel to previously conducted bilateral exercise in Vietnam in 2019 and a major milestone in strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Vietnam. India and Vietnam share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and defence cooperation is a key pillar of this partnership. The theme of Ex VINBAX – 2022 is employment and deployment of an Engineer Company and a Medical Team as part of United Nations Contingent for Peace Keeping Operations.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    West Asia
    “Hizbu’llah has all of Israel in its missile range,” Hizbu’llah leader Nasrallah.

    In an interview on 25 July 2022, Lebanese Hizbu’llah leader Hassan Nasrallah said that “all of Israel is within the range of Hizbu’llah’s missiles. Boasting about drones, Nasrallah said that the recent drone operation, targeting Israel’s Karish gas field, was carried out by the group. Though Israel shot down the drone, but Nasrallah informed Al-Mayadeen media that over the period in the past, Hizbu’llah used drones over Israel many times.

    Nasrallah suggested that Hizbu’llah could gain from the trip of the US President Biden to the region by bringing Iranian oil and gas to Lebanon, and that Hizbu’llah can exploit Lebanon’s crisis and the US’ desire for stability in the region.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Africa
    Ethiopia
    Al-Shabaab terrorists carried out cross-border attack into Ethiopia’s Somali region.

    On 21 July 2022, al-Shabaab terrorists from Somalia launched a cross-border attack into Ethiopia’s Somali region. This is the first time that al-Shabaab carried out a terrorist attack in Ethiopia. According to Somali military and Ethiopia’s paramilitary Liyu police, several al-Shabaab terrorists crossed into the Afdher zone and took control of several of their positions. However, with heavy police casualties, all positions were recaptured. According to Somali military officials posted in Bakool— the region that borders Ethiopia, around 87 al-Shabaab terrorists were killed in the gun-battle.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Somalia
    US airstrike killed two al-Shabaab terrorists in Lower Juba region.

    On 17 July 2022, the United States (US) Africa Command, in coordination with the government of Somalia, carried out airstrike and killed two al-Shabaab terrorists in a remote location near Libikus in Lower Juba region, Somalia. The strike was carried out after al-Shabaab attacked partner forces in the region. According to the statement released, “violent extremist organisations like al-Shabaab present long-term threats to Somali, regional and US interests.”
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Nigeria
    Five Boko Haram terrorists surrendered in Borno State.

    On 22 July 2022, five Boko Haram terrorists, including Mallam Isa, a commander, surrendered before the 73 Battalion of the Nigerian Army during “Operation Hadin Kai” in Borno State. “Preliminary investigation discovered that terrorists were said to have come out from Gazuwa, a new HQ of Boko Haram, located about 08 kilometres to Bama Local Government area,” said Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert. According to the Theatre Commander of North-East Joint Task Force of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’— Christopher Musa, “more than 67,000 terrorists have surrendered to troops so far.”
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Mali
    Islamist terrorists attacked Mali’s main military base outside Bamako.

    On 22 July 2022, Islamist terrorists of al-Qa’ida and Islamic State affiliated groups attacked Mali’s main military base in Kati, outside the Capital Bamako, however, the armed forces had repelled the attack and brought situation under control. In a statement released by military, “the attack involved two car bombs and was carried out by a local al-Qa’ida affiliated group— Katiba Macina.” Katiba Macina is more active terror group in Central Mali.

    In attack, a soldier was martyred and six people were wounded, while seven terrorists were killed and eight got arrested, read the statement. The military blamed Katiba Macina for several attacks on 21 July 2022 against military bases in Central Mali in which a soldier was martyred and 15 others were wounded.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Afghanistan
    “Al-Qa’ida and Islamic State are gaining strength in Afghanistan”, claimed the UNSC report.

    The 30th report of the United Nations Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team revealed the activities of al-Qa’ida (AQ), Islamic State (IS), and other terrorist groups in Afghanistan, and concluded that al-Qa’ida and IS related threats are high in the conflict zones and the neighbouring countries though both terror groups are likely to attempt an attack in non-conflicted areas.

    An Afghan national— Sanaullah Ghafari aka Shahab al-Muhajir, has been leading the Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP/IS-K) since June 2000. However, the IS core has established a separate structure called Al-Siddiq office under Sheikh Tamim al-Kurdi aka Abu Ahmed al-Madani for group’s regional agenda. The report also pointed about the IS-KP’s increased presence in northern and eastern Afghanistan. The group has terrorists from the Central Asia, who have increased activities in the north, bordering Central Asian states of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    US killed al-Qa’ida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a counter-terrorism operation in Kabul.

    On 01 August 2022, United States (US) President— Joe Biden, announced that in a counter-terrorism operation carried out on 30 July 2022 in Kabul, Afghanistan, the US government killed the al-Qa’ida leader— Ayman al-Zawahiri. “Al-Zawahiri coordinated al-Qa’ida’s branches all around the world since Bin Laden’s death in 2011, including setting priorities for providing operational guidance that call for and inspire attacks against US targets,” explained the US President during the announcement.

    “The United States continues to demonstrate our resolve and our capacity to defend the American people against those who seek to do us harm,” Biden continued. “We make it clear again tonight that, no matter how long it takes, no matter where you hide, if you are a threat to our people, the United States will find you and take you out,” added the US President.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    NIA searched multiple locations in Srinagar in “Chanapora Arms Recovery in Srinagar” case.

    On 20 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched nine locations in Kashmir, including four in Srinagar district and five in Pulwama district, in the case— RC-04/2022/NIA/JMU related to the conspiracy of conducting terror attacks in and around Srinagar, in which four operatives were arrested and 15 pistols, 30 magazines, 300 rounds, and one Mahindra-built Scorpio vehicle were seized.

    The case was re-registered by the NIA on 18 June 2022. The NIA officials seized digital devices and other incriminating materials.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    SIA unearthed the nexus between JeM and Punjab-based gangsters.

    The State Investigation Agency (SIA) in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) unearthed the nexus between Pakistan-based terrorist group— Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Punjab-based gangsters, as the SIA filed a chargesheet against five operatives in a terror-funding related case registered in 2021.

    The case was related to the recovery of ₹ 43 lakh by Jammu police at the Sidhra bridge, from Kashmir-bound vehicle, on 16 November 2021. The SIA filed a chargesheet before the Special NIA court in Jammu on 26 July 2022, against five operatives, including JeM commander— Ashiq Nengroo (presently operating from Pakistan), Muzammil Ahmad Malik (JeM operative) from Pulwama, and other three Punjab-based gangsters— i) Ravi Kumar, ii) Jaideep Dhawan, and iii) Amarbir Singh (all residents of Punjab), under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], the Arms Act, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Left-Wing Extremism
    NIA arrested a Maoist associate in connection with “Terror Financing by CPI (Maoist) in Bihar” case.

    On 28 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested— Rajesh Gupta, a Maoist associate, in connection to a conspiracy by CPI (Maoist) cadres and others for attempting to revive the banned organisation’s module in the Son-Ganga Bindh region of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh (UP).

    The case— RC-19/2022/NIA/DLI was re-registered on 26 April 2022 and NIA taken over the investigation. Earlier, NIA had arrested 03 associates in this case on 12 April 2022 and 25 May 2022. Rajesh Gupta is a close associate of earlier arrested Vijay Kumar Arya— a Central Committee Member (CCM) and was actively involved in reviving the module in Son-Ganga Bindh region.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Police killed a Maoist in an anti-naxal operation in Chhattisgarh.

    On 26 July 2022, Chhattisgarh police eliminated a Maoist— Budh Ram Madkam aka Mahangu Deva, a member of Katekalyan Area Committee of CPI (Maoist), in forest near Jabrameta village of Dantewada district in Chhattisgarh.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA searched multiple locations in Jharkhand in connection with “killing of police personnel and looting of arms and ammunition by CPI (Maoists)” case.

    On 27 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched 03 locations of suspects in connection with suspects’ involvement in an attack on police party on 14 June 2019 at Kukru Haat in Saraikela-Kherswan district in Jharkhand. In the attack, five police personnel attained Veergati, and their arms and ammunitions were looted by perpetrators.

    The case— RC-39/2020/NIA/DLI was re-registered by the NIA on 09 December 2020. The NIA officials recovered digital devices, illicit weapons and ammunitions, and various incriminating materials.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    “Maoist-affected Districts reduced to 46 in 2021”, informed MoS for Home Affairs.

    The Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs— Nityanand Rai, on 26 July 2022, informed the Lok Sabha (the Lower House of the Indian Parliament) that number of Maoist-affected districts has reduced from 70 in the year 2014 to 46 in 2021. Along with, the incidents inspired from Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) have recorded significant reduction from 1,091 in 2014 to 509 incidents in 2021.

    The Minister also informed the Lok Sabha about Central government-led schemes for Maoist-affected areas, including Security Related Expenditure Scheme (SRES), Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS), Road Requirement Plan-1, mobile connectivity projects in Maoist affected districts.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA arrested a Maoist associate in revival of Magadh zone of CPI (Maoist) case.

    On 25 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested— Tarun Kumar, in connection with a case— RC-05/2021/NIA/RNC, where CPI (Maoist) cadre prominent— Pradyuman Sharma and others, were conspiring to revive a module of banned organisation in Magadh zone. Tarun Kumar, along with other accused conspired to raise funds for procurement of arms and ammunition and training the fellow cadres in fabrication of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices).

    The group was also planning to create nexus with incarcerated naxals and Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) in various jails for commission of violent crimes.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
    NIA searched multiple locations in six States in connection with “ISIS module” case.

    On 31 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched 13 premises of Islamic State (IS) suspects in six Indian States— i) Gujarat, ii) Bihar, iii) Karnataka, iv) Maharashtra, v) Uttar Pradesh, and vi) Madhya Pradesh, in a case related to Islamic State (ISIS) module and its activities.

    On 25 June 2022, the case— RC-26/2022/NIA/DLI was registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA arrested 08th accused in “Udaipur killing” case.

    On 21 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested the 08th accused— Mohammed Javed (age 19 years), in the case— RC-27/2022/NIA/DLI pertaining to the killing of Shri Kanhaiya Lal Teli in Udaipur, Rajasthan, by two Islamic extremists armed with sharp weapons at his tailor shop on 28 June 2022.

    The NIA re-registered the case on 29 June 2022 and taken over the investigation. Earlier, 07 accused were arrested in the case on 29 June, 01 July, 04 July, and 09 July 2022. Mohammed Javed had played an important role in the killing by conducting recce and conveying the information about the victim to one of the main perpetrators— Riyaz, prior to the brutal murder.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA searched multiple locations in connection with “PFI Phulwari Sharif” case in Bihar.

    On 28 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out searches at 10 locations of the PFI operatives in Bihar, for their alleged involvement with the Popular Front of India (PFI) in anti-national activities.

    The case— RC-31/2022/NIA/DLI was re-registered by the NIA on 22 July 2022 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The NIA officials seized digital devices and several incriminating materials from the sites.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) Cases
    NIA Special Court (Bihar) convicted and sentenced a FICN trafficker in “FICN case of East Champaran, Bihar”.

    On 22 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, Bihar, convicted and sentenced— Mohammad Ali Akhtar Ansari for his involvement in the Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) proliferation in India. The case— RC-08/2016/NIA/DLI pertains to the seizure of a parcel containing high quality FICNs worth around ₹ 25 lakhs. Mohammad Akhtar came to Raxaul, to take delivery of the FICNs consignment on 30 September 2015, and was subsequently arrested.

    According to the investigation, the seized FICNs had been smuggled from a foreign country into India and supposed to be delivered to another accused— Abi Mohammad of Nepal. Investigation also revealed that a Pakistani national— Syed Muhammad Shaffi, now residing in the UAE (United Arab Emirates), had couriered the parcel from the UAE via ICS (International Courier Service). Mohammad Akhtar Ansari rewarded 20 years of Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) with ₹ 50,000 as fine under Section 16 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], 10 years of RI with ₹ 25,000 as fine under Section 489B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and 07 years of RI under Section 489C of the IPC by the NIA Special Court (Patna), Bihar.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Narcotics-Trafficking
    NIA searched multiple locations in Tamil Nadu in the case of “Narcotics and Arms trafficking to India and Sri Lanka”.

    On 20 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency officials searched 22 premises of suspects at various locations in Tamil Nadu in connection with the case— RC-29/2022/NIA/DLI, pertaining to illicit activities of Sri Lankan drug mafia being operated by C Gunashekharan in association with Haji Salim— drug and arms supplier based in Pakistan.

    The drugs and arms traffickers have been operating in India and Sri Lanka, and have been conspiring for the revival of the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) terror group and to further its violent activities. The case was registered suo moto by the NIA on 08 July 2022 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], read with sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 01-15 July 2022

    DEFENCE

    • DRDO conducts successful maiden flight of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator.
    • Indian Army organised the “Suraksha Manthan 2022”.
    • New manufacturing facilities at Bharat Dynamics Limited.
    • Indian Navy ships visit Singapore, Republic of Seychellesand a long range overseas deployment.
    • CEO of French aircraft engine maker SAFRAN Group calls on Raksha Mantri (RM).
    • 6th Deputy National Security Adviser Level Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave.
    • Indian Navy’s INS Satpura and P8i participate in the RIMPAC Harbour Phase.
    • Indian Air Force contingent participating in a exercise with the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) in Egypt.
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence (Coe) launched by IAF.
    • First-ever ‘AI in Defence’ symposium & exhibition in New Delhi.
    • Brazilian Navy delegation on visit to India.
    • Ministry of Defence sets up an Apex Committee for Performance and Efficiency Audit.

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    West Asia
    • “Hizbu’llah used Iranian drones against the Karish gas field”, claimed Israel’s Defence Minister.
    Africa
    Nigeria
    • Islamist attack freed hundreds of prisoners in Nigeria.
    Pakistan
    • Ahead of FATF’s visit, Pakistan doubled the efforts to ‘locate’ JeM chief Masood Azhar.

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    • NIA searched multiple locations in Kashmir in “Sunjwan terrorist attack” case.
    • Security forces eliminated two terrorists, including a JeM commander, in Pulwama.
    • “In last four years, 700 local youths were recruited by terror groups in UT of J&K”: MHA.
    Left-Wing Extremism
    • Police arrested a Maoist wanted in SP’s killing case.
    • Over 600 explosives and 495 detonators recovered in anti-Maoist operation in Bihar.
    • 50 IEDs seized from Aurangabad in Bihar.
    Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
    • NIA Special Court (Ernakulam) convicted three Islamic State members in “ISIS Valapattanam case”.
    • NIA searched multiple locations in Rajasthan in “Udaipur killing” case.
    • NIA conducted search at multiple locations in Maharashtra in “Umesh Kolhe’s killing” case.
    Khalistan-inspired Extremism
    • NIA filed chargesheet against four KTF associates accused of conspiring the killing of a Hindu priest in Jalandhar.
    • MEA raised concerns over the participation of Australian Sikh soldiers at pro-Khalistan event in New South Wales, Australia.
    • Pro-Khalistan elements vandalized Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Canada.
    • Police arrested a pro-Khalistan supporter from Jalandhar.

    DEFENCE

    DRDO conducts successful maiden flight of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator.

    Maiden flight of the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator was carried out successfully by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Operating in a fully autonomous mode, the aircraft exhibited a perfect flight, including take-off, way point navigation and a smooth touchdown. It is powered by a small turbofan engine, the airframe, undercarriage and entire flight control and avionics systems used for the aircraft were developed indigenously.This flight marks a major milestone in terms of proving critical technologies towards the development of future unmanned aircraft.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indian Army organised the “Suraksha Manthan 2022”.

    The Desert Corps of the Indian Army organised the “Suraksha Manthan 2022”, on aspects of Border & Coastal Security at Jodhpur (Rajasthan). During the course of the discussions, aspects of interoperability, operational cohesion and logistics were ironed out in order to enhance overall security along the International Boundary (IB) and coastal sectors. A joint training calendar was also formulated to achieve a higher degree of interoperability and jointness amongst the security forces. Current security threats and challenges, along with joint mitigation response, were deliberated upon and such scenarios would now form part of the forthcoming exercises. It was further decided to create an enabling security environment and develop a tangible capability development road map to achieve the same.
    Reference: Click here to read…

    New manufacturing facilities at Bharat Dynamics Limited

    Raksha Mantri dedicated to the Nation a number of new manufacturing facilities set up by the Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU). These include a Warhead facility at the Bhanur Unit and a Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker facility at Kanchanbagh Unit. The RF Seeker Facility, which was virtually inaugurated by the Raksha Mantri, is an integrated Centre for production & testing of RF seekers. This facility has been established by BDL with an investment of Rs 50 crore.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indian Navy ships visit Singapore, Republic of Seychelles and long range overseas deployment

    As part of their deployment to South East Asia, Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kadmatt under the Command of Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, NM, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, visited Singapore from 01 – 03 July 2022. INS Sahyadri is an indigenously built multi-role stealth Frigate and INS Kadmatt is an indigenously built ASW Corvette.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    INS Kolkata, an indigenously built Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer of the Indian Navy, was deployed to Port Victoria, Seychelles to coincide with the Independence Day of Seychelles on 29 June 22. During the port call, INS Kolkata delivered two engines of Dornier Aircraft of the SDF, which were overhauled at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Hyderabad. A set of engineering spares were also delivered to Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) for sustenance of SCG ships.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    As a part of the Long range overseas deployment, Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash, visited Djibouti as part of her long range overseas deployment followed by Maritime Partnership Exercise with Sudan Navy. The ship is on a deployment to Rio de Janerio, Brazil, which is intended to coincide with the Independence Day enabling her to hoist the tricolour in South America on the occasion as part of AzadikaAmritMahotsav.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    CEO of French aircraft engine maker SAFRAN Group calls on Raksha Mantri (RM)

    A high-level delegation of French company Safran Group led by its CEO Mr Olivier Andries called on Raksha Mantri in New Delhi on July 05, 2022. During the meeting, the CEO of Safran briefed the Raksha Mantri of their company’s plans to set up a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India for overhaul of LEAP-1A & LEAP-1B engines in use by Indian and foreign commercial airlines. The MRO facility through direct foreign investment of $US 150 million in Hyderabad is expected to create 500-600 highly skilled jobs. The facility will be able to overhaul over 250 engines per year in the beginning.

    The CEO also briefed Shri Rajnath Singh of their plan to inaugurate this week Safran Aircraft Engines and Safran Electrical & Power India Pvt Ltd. – both to come up in Hyderabad and Safran-HAL Aircraft Engines as a joint venture in Bengaluru. Safran aircraft engine, Hyderabad, with an investment of Euro 36 million and located on 10 acres land in the Hyderabad SEZ, will produce parts and components for advanced aircraft engines including rotating seals. Safran Electrical & Power India Pt Ltd will produce harness for civil and fighter jets. The joint venture between Safran and HAL is for production of rigid piping for aircraft engines including helicopter engines. The joint venture is expected to hire 160 new highly skilled personnel.

    The CEO of Safran outlined his company’s long-term plan in co-development and co-production of advanced jet engines and transfer of technology as per existing policy of Government of India. He briefed Shri Rajnath Singh on capabilities of Safran in areas of technology beyond aircraft engine.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    6th Deputy National Security Adviser Level Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave

    The Member States of the Colombo Security Conclave comprising India, Maldives, Mauritius and Sri Lanka, successfully concluded the 6th Deputy National Security Adviser level meeting held on 7 July 2022 hosted by the National Security Council Secretariat of India in Kochi. Delegations from Bangladesh and Seychelles participated as Observers.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indian Navy’s INS Satpura and P8i participate in the RIMPAC Harbour Phase

    Indian Navy’s indigenous Frigate INS Satpura and P8I LRMRASW aircraft are at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii taking part in one of the largest multilateral Naval Exercises, the Rim of the Pacific exercise, also known as RIMPAC. INS Satpura and one P8I maritime patrol aircraft are participating in the exercise which spans over six weeks of intense operations and training aimed at enhancing interoperability and building trust among Navies of friendly foreign countries. 28 countries, 38 warships, 09 land forces, 31 unmanned systems, 170 aircraft and over 25,000 personnel are participating in the multi-dimensional exercise. The sea phase commences on 12 Jul 22 and will culminate with the closing ceremony on 04 Aug 22.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indian Air Force contingent participating in an exercise with the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) in Egypt

    Indian Air Force contingent is reaching the midway point of the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) at Egyptian Air Force (EAF) Weapon School in Egypt (Cairo West Airbase). The programme commenced on 24 Jun and will culminate on 23 Jul 22. IAF is participating with three Su-30 MKI aircraft. Two C-17 aircraft were used for induction of the contingent. IAF Su-30 MKI aircraft undertook a non-stop ferry of six hours from Jamnagar airbase (India) to Cairo West airbase (Egypt), overflying four countries enroute. Tactical Leadership Program is a unique exercise, wherein IAF is participating with its aircrew as instructors. This exercise provides a good opportunity to showcase the reach and capability of the IAF. It will also assist in enhancing defence cooperation between the two countries and exchange of best practices.

    During the first two weeks of the exercise IAF aircraft participated in missions by day and night, involving air to ground & air to air combat scenarios and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) activity alongside Egyptian F-16, Rafale and Mig 29 aircraft.
    Reference: Click here to read…

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence (Coe) launched by IAF

    The IAF Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence under the aegis of UDAAN (Unit for Digitisation, Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Application Networking) was inaugurated by Air Marshal Sandeep Singh, Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS).

    A Big Data Analytics and Al Platform has been commissioned in the IAF’s Al Centre, for handling all aspects of Analytics, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Neural Networks and Deep Learning algorithms. The high-end compute requirements would be undertaken by the latest Graphical Processing Unit powered servers.Addressing the gathering, VCAS said that IAF has taken proactive steps to embed Industry 4.0 and Al based technologies in its war fighting processes. He reiterated that the AI COE with high end compute and big data storage capabilities, coupled with full spectrum Al software suites, would substantially enhance operational capability of IAF.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    First-ever ‘AI in Defence’ symposium & exhibition in New Delhi

    RakshaMantri launched 75 newly-developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) products/technologies during the first-ever ‘AI in Defence’ (AIDef) symposium and exhibition, organised by Ministry of Defence in New Delhi. The products, launched as part of ‘AzadiKaAmritMahotsav’ celebrations, fall under various domains. These includeAI Platform Automation; Autonomous/Unmanned/Robotics systems; Block Chain-based Automation; Command, Control, Communication, Computer & Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance; Cyber Security; Human Behavioural Analysis; Intelligent Monitoring Systems; Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems; Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Operational Data Analytics; Manufacturing and Maintenance; Simulators/Test Equipment and speech/voice analysis using Natural Language Processing.

    The RakshaMantri added that several MoUs have been signed with the industry for faster promotion of AI applications in the Services. Many AI-related challenges under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiatives have also been given. The challenges are under various domains, including Radio Frequency Spectrum Management, Underwater Domain Awareness, Satellite Image Analysis and Friend or Foe Identification System. He urged the industry and start-ups to explore newer avenues and work hand-in-hand with the Government to ensure complete self-reliance in the field of AI technology.

    Delivering the welcome address, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar lauded the proactive efforts of the three Services, DRDO, DPSUs & the Industry in developing these 75 products and contributing to strengthen national security. He added that over 100 more projects are in various levels of development.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Brazilian Navy delegation on visit to India

    A Brazilian Navy delegation led by Vice Admiral Liberal Enio Zanelatto, Director of Industrial Production & Engineering, visited New Delhi on 15 Jul 22 and held discussion with senior officers of the Indian Navy. The head of the Brazilian delegation also called on Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel, Indian Navy. Earlier, Brazilian delegation also visited Headquarters Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd at Mumbai on 11 and 12 Jul 22 respectively.

    Extensive discussions between Brazilian and Indian Navy leadership, on areas of mutual cooperation, with special focus on submarine maintenance, in addition as general maintenance philosophy, upgradation of weapons and sensors, and Indian Navy’s indigenisation efforts for achieving self-reliance.
    Reference: Click here to read…

    Ministry of Defence sets up an Apex Committee for Performance and Efficiency Audit

    The Ministry of Defence has set up an institutional mechanism comprising of an Apex committee with Defence Secretary as Chairman to conduct a Performance and Efficiency Audit into various aspects of its activities. This kind of audit is expected to provide valuable inputs to the top management of the Ministry of specific shortcomings, if any, in planning and execution of projects, and suggest systemic improvements in internal controls, soundness of financial procedures, identification of risk factors, etc. It is a major shift from the existing transaction-based compliance audit to carry out an outcome-based Performance/ Efficiency Audit aimed at enhancing overall efficiency.The members of the committee include Vice Chiefs of the three Services, Secretary Defence (Finance), Chief of Integrated Staff Committee (CISC), Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA), Director General (Acquisition) and other senior officials of Ministry of Defence and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

    The broad areas that have been identified for the conduct of Performance and Efficiency Audit include Defence Capital Procurements, provisioning, logistics, inventory levels, Maintenance of platforms/ assets, role and performance of Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) etc. the Apex committee can also recommend any other specific area for Performance and Efficiency Audit.

    The committee chaired by Defence Secretary will identify specific areas for the conduct of performance and audit by CGDA and monitor performance audit reports and action taken thereon. It also shall advise Raksha Mantri on remedial measures to be adopted as well as measures for overall improvement in strengthening of internal oversight and Risk Management Framework.
    Reference: Click here to read…

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    West Asia
    “Hizbu’llah used Iranian drones against the Karish gas field”, claimed Israel’s Defence Minister.

    In a briefing to military reporters, on 07 July 2022, Israel’s Defence Minister Benny Gantz confirmed the use of Iranian drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) against the Karish gas field. “It should be said that the attack was carried out by Hizbu’llah on behest of Iran, and its weapons are made in Iran, whether it is manufactured there or knowledge acquired by them.
    On 02 July 2022, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) shot three UAVs by Hezbollah toward Karish rig, which is located within Israel’s economic waters but disputed by Lebanon.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Africa
    Nigeria
    Islamist attack freed hundreds of prisoners in Nigeria

    Suspected Islamists gunmen, armed with explosives, attacked on Kuje medium security prison, on the outskirts of Abuja and freed nearly 900 of prison’s 994 inmates, including number of terrorists. “They [gunmen] came in numbers, gained entrance into the prison, and released ‘some’ of the inmates,” said Nigeria’s Defence Minister— Bashir Magashi during a press briefing on 06 July 2022.

    Prison breaks have become more common in Nigeria, where in 2021, more than 1,800 prisoners escaped from Owerri prison in South-Eastern Imo state, after heavily armed men attacked with explosives.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Pakistan
    Ahead of FATF’s visit, Pakistan doubled the efforts to ‘locate’ JeM chief Masood Azhar

    Ahead of the visit of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) officials to assess Pakistan’s commitment to carried out task list actions, Pakistan has doubled its efforts against Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief and founder— Masood Azhar, and his brother Rauf Asghar. While Rauf Asghar was taken into custody along with 44 JeM terrorists in 2019, the establishment is assessing Masood Azhar’s whereabouts, including his doubtful presence in Pakistan.

    From 28 August-02 September, a team of senior FATF officials expected to visit Islamabad and other cities for an ‘on-site visit’, to verify if Pakistan has carried out all the actions mentioned on its 34-point task list. Pakistan is expected to be taken-off of ‘grey list’, during the FATF’s next plenary session in October 2022.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    NIA searched multiple locations in Kashmir in “Sunjwan terrorist attack” case

    On 13 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out a search operation at three locations in Kashmir— 01 location in Pulwama district, and 02 locations in Anantnag district, in the case (RC-03/2022/NIA/JMU) related to indiscriminate firing upon security personnel on 22 April 2022, during a joint search operation in the area of Sunjwan, Jammu, in which an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) attained Veergati(fell in the battle), and several others were injured.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Security forces eliminated two terrorists, including a JeM commander, in Pulwama

    On 11 July 2022, security forces killed two terrorists, including a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) commander, in an operation in Wandakhpora village in Awantipora in Pulwama district. The JeM commander was identified as Kaiser Koka and was active in South Kashmir for the last four years.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    “In last four years, 700 local youths were recruited by terror groups in UT of J&K”: MHA

    According to the data available with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), as on 05 July 2022, a total of 82 foreign terrorists were operating in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), while there were 59 local terrorists. In last four years, terrorist groups managed to recruit 700 local youths into their fold, while 141 terrorists, are currently active in the Valley. Such large number highlighted the unabated infiltration from terror launch pads across the border. Mostly, terrorists belong to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its offshoot— The Resistance Front (TRF), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM).
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Left-Wing Extremism
    Police arrested a Maoist wanted in SP’s killing case, from Jharkhand

    In a joint operation, Jharkhand Police and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) arrested a Maoist— Nandlal Soren aka Hitesh, a member of the Special Area Committee of the CPI (Maoist), from Giridih district in Jharkhand. Nandlal Soren was carrying a bounty reward of ₹ 25 lakh.

    Soren was wanted in the killing of then-Superintendent of Police (SP) Amarjeet Balihar, and other police personnel in an ambush in 2013.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Over 600 explosives and 495 detonators recovered in anti-Maoist operation in Bihar

    In an anti-Maoist operation carried out during 04-11 July 2022 in Bihar, more than 600 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and around 500 detonators have been recovered by CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), a special jungle-warfare commando unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The recoveries were made from the jungles of Gaya district in Bihar.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    50 IEDs seized from Aurangabad in Bihar

    On 11 July 2022, the CRPF’s CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), the Special Task Force (STF), and the district police carried out a joint operation on Ajnawa mountain range in Aurangabad district and recovered 50 IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) and other equipment. Other equipment included over two dozen gelatin rods, electric wires, batteries, pipes used in manufacturing of bombs were recovered.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
    NIA Special Court (Ernakulam) convicted three Islamic State members in “ISIS Valapattanam case”

    On 12 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, Ernakulam convicted three Islamic State (IS) members— i) Midlaj, ii) Abdul Razak, and iii) Hamsa, for providing support and conspiring a plan to travel out of India to join the terrorist organisation in Syria.

    After thorough investigation, the case— RC-02/2017/NIA/KOC was taken over by the NIA for further investigation by the NIA on 16 December 2017. A chargesheet was filed by the NIA on 21 April 2018 against the IS members.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA searched multiple locations in Rajasthan in “Udaipur killing” case

    On 12 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched nine locations in Udaipur district in Rajasthan in “Udaipur killing case”. The case— RC-27/2022/NIA/DLI pertains to the killing of Shri Kanahiya Lal Teli in Udaipur, Rajasthan, by two Islamic extremists armed with sharp weapons at his shop located in Maaldas street, Udaipur, Rajasthan. On 29 June 2022, the NIA re-registered the case and taken over the investigation. During the search at the premises of both Islamic extremists, digital devices, including mobile phones, laptop and SIM cards, and other indiscriminating material was seized.
    Earlier, on 09 July 2022, the NIA arrested Farhad Mohammad Sheikh aka Babla, in relation to Shri Kanahiya Lal Teli’s murder conspiracy. Farhad Mohammad was a close associate of one of the main perpetrator— RiyazAttari.
    For more information: Click here to read… ; Click here to read…

    NIA conducted search at multiple locations in Maharashtra in “Umesh Kolhe’s killing” case

    On 06 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched 13 locations in Amravati district in Maharashtra in the case of killing of Shri Umesh Kolhe in Amravati on 21 June 2022.

    The case— RC-02/2022/NIA/MUM relates to the killing of a pharmacist— Shri Umesh Kolhe allegedly on account of certain social media posts. The NIA re-registered the case on 02 July 2022 and taken over the investigation. During the search, the officials recovered digital devices, including mobile phones, SIM cards, memory cards, and DVRs), pamphlets spreading hate messages, knives, and other incriminating documents and materials.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Khalistan-inspired Extremism
    NIA filed chargesheet against four KTF associates accused of conspiring the killing of a Hindu priest in Jalandhar

    On 04 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet at the NIA Special Court (Mohali) against four Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) associates— i) Kamaljeet Sharma, ii) Arshdeep Singh, iii) Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and iv) Ram Singh, for conspiring the killing of a Hindu priest in Jalandhar, Punjab.
    The case— RC-27/2021/NIA/DLI pertains to an attack on a Hindu priest— Kamaldeep Sharma, native of Bhar Singh Pura village in Phillaur, Jalandhar district. According to the investigation, the conspiracy was hatched by Arshdeep Singh and Harshdeep Singh Nijjar, both based in Canada, to disturb peace and communal harmony in Punjab by killing a Hindu priest. The arrested duo, Kamaljeet Sharma and Ram Singh, had shot the victim (Kamaldeep Sharma), on behest of Arshdeep Singh.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    MEA raised concerns over the participation of Australian Sikh soldiers at pro-Khalistan event in New South Wales, Australia

    As the reports about Australian Army Sikh delegation’s participation in pro-Khalistan event in New South Wales, Australia, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on 07 July 2022, has taken up the concern over the matter with the Australian government.

    “We came to know that there had been an instance in Australia. We have taken up the matter with the Australian government,” said MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Pro-Khalistan elements vandalized Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Canada

    On 13 July 2022, allegedly pro-Khalistan supporters vandalised the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Vishnu temple in Toronto, Canada. The statue had existed at the Vishnu temple in the area of Yonge Street and Garden Avenue for over three decades.
    “We are deeply anguished by this hate crime that seeks to terrorise the Indian community. It has led to increased concern and insecurity in the Indian community here. We have approached the Canadian government to investigate and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice swiftly,” observations made by the High Commission of India in Ottawa.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Police arrested a pro-Khalistan supporter from Jalandhar

    On the intervening night of 14-15 June 2022, police arrested Manjeet Singh, resident of Patiala, for reportedly writing pro-Khalistan slogans on the walls in Jalandhar. According to police, similar cases had been registered against Manjeet in Karnal, and other districts in Punjab. During the probe, Manjeet revealed that an unknown person approached him through social media and offered money for writing pro-Khalistan comments on Facebook (now Meta), YouTube and other channels.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 16-30 June 2022

    DEFENCE

    • Joint Military Exercise “Ex SAMPRITI-X” concludes.
    • Extension of entry age: Agnipath Scheme.
    • Agnipath – Raksha Mantri approves 10% reservation of jobs for Agniveers in Indian Coast Guard, Defence Civilian posts & 16 DPSUs.
    • Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise “Ex Khaan Quest -2022” culminates.
    • India and Australia discuss ways to enhance defence cooperation during bilateral talks.
    • Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile successfully flight-tested.
    • IAF to participate in tactical leadership programme with Egyptian Air Force.
    • Indian Air Force conducted the Capstone Seminar at Air Force Auditorium, New Delhi, marking the culmination of the first Warfare & Aerospace Strategy Program (WASP).
    • India and Malaysia decide to enhance defence cooperation.
    • INS Satpura to participate in RIMPAC-22.
    • Indigenously-developed Laser-Guided ATGM successfully tested.
    • High speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) was successfully flight-tested.
    • India and & Saudi Arabia discuss ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation.
    • India delivers 6 tons of medical assistance to Afghanistan.
    • Fourth India-Japan Cyber Dialogue.

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    Africa
    Somalia
    • Security forces killed at least 67 al-Shabaab terrorists in a foiled attack in Galgaduud region.
    Nigeria
    • Security forces killed 47 Boko Haram terrorists and rescued a Chibok girl in Borno.
    Afghanistan
    • IS-KP claimed responsibility for Karte Parwan Gurudwara attack in Kabul.
    Pakistan
    • Pakistan remained on FATF’s ‘grey list’.
    • China blocked India-US’ joint move to designate deputy chief of LeT as terrorist under the UNSC sanctions.

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    • NIA officials searched multiple locations in the UT of J&K in ‘J&K Terror Conspiracy’ case.
    • Security forces killed three terrorists in two separate CT operations in Pulwama and Baramulla.
    • NIA officials searched multiple locations in the UT of J&K and arrested a terrorist in ‘TRF Conspiracy’ case.
    • “Security forces have eliminated 118 terrorists, mostly of LeT, since January 2022”: claimed J&K Police.
    • NIA officials searched multiple locations in the UT of J&K and arrested four OGWs from Pulwama.
    • Security forces killed four HM terrorists in two CT operations in Anantnag and Kulgam.
    Left-Wing Extremism
    • NIA officials arrested a Maoist in connection with ‘Edakkara Maoist’ case.
    • Three CRPF personnel attained Veergati in Maoist attack in Odisha.
    • NIA officials raided multiple locations in Telangana and arrested three Maoists in ‘Peddabayalu CPI (Maoist) recruitment’ case
    Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
    • Two Islamic extremists beheaded a tailor in Rajasthan over his support to Nupur Sharma’s statement on Prophet Mohammad.
    Khalistan-inspired Extremism
    • Ahead of political roadshow, Khalistan slogan found at Sangrur temple gate.
    Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs)
    • NIA officials searched two locations in West Bengal in case of ‘Seizure of FICN at Kolkata’.
    • NIA filed chargesheet against four FICN traffickers in case of ‘Seizure of FICN and Gold at IGI Airport New Delhi’.
    Human-Trafficking
    • NIA officials searched a location in Uttar Pradesh and arrested a human-trafficker.

    DEFENCE

    Joint Military Exercise “Ex SAMPRITI-X” concludes.

    The aim of the exercise was to strengthen the military relations between the two countries. The exercise also provided an opportunity to the contingents from both the Armies to understand each other’s tactical drills and operational techniques as well as to share their experience on Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorism, Peace Keeping and Disaster Relief Operation under the United Nations mandate. Senior officers of both the Armies conveyed their appreciation to the participating contingents for achieving the objectives of the Exercise.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Agnipath Scheme.

    Consequent to the commencement of the AGNIPATH scheme, the entry age for all new recruits in the Armed Forces has been fixed as 17 ½ – 21 years of age.Cognizant of the fact that it has not been possible to undertake the recruitment during the last two years, the Government has decided that a one-time waiver shall be granted for the proposed recruitment cycle for 2022. Accordingly, the upper age limit for the recruitment process for Agnipath scheme for 2022 is increased to 23 years.
    Reference: Click here to read…

    Raksha Mantri approves 10% reservation of jobs for Agniveers in Indian Coast Guard, Defence Civilian posts & 16 DPSUs.

    Raksha Mantri has approved a proposal to reserve 10% of the job vacancies in Ministry of Defence for Agniveers meeting requisite eligibility criteria. The 10% reservation will be implemented in the Indian Coast Guard, defence civilian posts and all the 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Limited, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL), Mishra Dhatu Nigam (Midhani) Limited, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), Advanced Weapons & Equipment India Ltd. (AW&EIL), Munitions India Limited (MIL), Yantra India Limited (YIL), Gliders India Limited (GIL), India Optel Limited (IOL) and Troop Comforts Limited (TCL). This reservation would be in addition to existing reservations for ex-servicemen.Necessary amendments to relevant recruitment rules will be undertaken to implement these provisions. The DPSUs will be advised to make similar amendments to their respective recruitment rules. Necessary age relaxation provision will also be made to enable recruitment of Agniveers to the above posts.
    Reference: Click here to read…

    Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise “Ex Khaan Quest -2022” culminates.

    The Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise “Ex Khaan Quest -2022” culminated at the Peace Support Operations Training Centre in Ulaanbaatar at Mongolia.The exercise conducted from 06 June to 20 June 2022 provided a platform for mutual learning and sharing best practices amongst the armies from 16 Nations. The Indian contingent consisting of personnel from the LADAKH SCOUTS participated in the field training as well as the Command Post exercise. A number of training activities were organised during the course of the exercise, which included mock tactical operations as per United Nations (UN) mandate, combat discussions, training of staff & command appointments; as part of a combined UN brigade, in order to enhance multinational interoperability.
    Reference: Click here to read…

    India and Australia discuss ways to enhance defence cooperation during bilateral talks.

    Raksha Mantri and Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Defence Mr Richard Marles held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on June 22, 2022. The two Ministers reviewed the existing defence cooperation activities which have been increasing despite challenges of COVID-19 pandemic and discussed ways to enhance further cooperation. The Ministers reviewed the defence and security pillars of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
    They welcomed the growing diversity and frequency of defence exercises and exchanges between the two countries and undertook to build upon operational engagements through the India-Australia Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement.
    Both Ministers committed to give fillip to the India-Australia Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Research and Materiel Cooperation, which will meet in Australia later this year. This JWG is a crucial mechanism for boosting ties between defence industries.
    Both Ministers welcomed the plan to commence the landmark General Rawat Young Officer Exchange Programme in the latter half of 2022, which was announced during the virtual summit meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries on March 21, 2022.
    The Ministers reviewed strategic challenges and the regional security situation and reaffirmed their shared objective of an open, free, inclusive, prosperous and rules-based Indo Pacific region. They looked forward to India’s participation in Australia’s Indo Pacific Endeavour exercise in October 2022.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile successfully flight-tested.

    Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) was successfully flight-tested by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy off the coast of Odisha on June 24, 2022. The VL-SRSAM, a ship borne weapon system, is meant for neutralising various aerial threats at close ranges including sea-skimming targets.The launch of the system was conducted against a high speed aerial target mimicking aircraft, which was successfully engaged.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    IAF to participate in tactical leadership programme with Egyptian Air Force.

    Indian Air Force would be participating in Tactical Leadership Programme at Egyptian Air Force Weapon School from 24 Jun – 24 Jul 22 in Egypt (Cairo west Airbase) with three Su-30MKI aircraft, two C-17 aircraft and 57 IAF personnel (including C-17 contingent). It is a unique exercise with Air assets in a Large Force Engagement environment, simulating various conflict scenarios.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indian Air Force conducted the Capstone Seminar at Air Force Auditorium, New Delhi, marking the culmination of the first Warfare & Aerospace Strategy Program (WASP).

    The Indian Air Force conducted the first Warfare & Aerospace Strategy Program (WASP) culminating with a Capstone Seminar at Air Force Auditorium, New Delhi on 24 Jun 2022. This Capstone Seminar showcased the learning objectives of WASP and helps the IAF leadership to validate the desired outcomes from the program. The participants presented papers on contemporary topics concerning application of air power in recent conflicts and the changing doctrinal precepts that establish the dominant role of air power in national security.

    The WASP was conceptualised by the IAF with the purpose of creating a pool of mid-career air power practitioners with strategic acumen and a deep understanding of warfare history and theory. It aims to enhance the doctrinal vision of the participants and cultivate their aptitude for effective arguments on strategy.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    India and Malaysia decide to enhance defence cooperation.

    Raksha Mantri (RM) held a Video Conference with Senior Defence Minister of Malaysia, YB Dato ‘Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein on June 27, 2022. A wide range of issues concerning bilateral, regional and defence industrial cooperation were discussed during the meeting.

    Both Ministers expressed the intent to further boost the already strong India-Malaysia Defence cooperation. The two Ministers discussed the existing defence cooperation activities and framework, and ways to further enhance them under the existing Malaysia India Defence Cooperation Meeting (MIDCOM) framework. The next MIDCOM is scheduled to be held in July 2022, and it was decided to use this platform for a deeper engagement in defence.

    Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the areas in which Indian Defence industries could assist Malaysia. He suggested a visit of senior officers from Malaysia to India to get a first-hand experience of the facilities and products of Indian Defence industry.

    The Malaysian Senior Defence Minister expressed the need for inducting women personnel in peace keeping missions. Both sides agreed to engage each other on this issue. It was also agreed to upgrade capability for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Raksha Mantri also invited Senior Defence Minister of Malaysia to visit India at an early convenient date to discuss closer and strategic defence ties.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    INS Satpura to participate in RIMPAC-22.

    INS Satpura entered Pearl Harbour in Hawaii Islands on 27 Jun 22 to participate in RIMPAC-22. INS Satpura and one P8I maritime patrol aircraft from the Indian Navy are participating in one of the largest multilateral Naval Exercises, the US Navy led biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise 2022. The exercise spanning over six weeks of intense operations and training is aimed at enhancing interoperability and to build trust among Navies of friendly foreign countries. 27 countries are participating in the current edition of the multi-dimensional exercise.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indigenously-developed Laser-Guided ATGM successfully tested.

    Indigenously-developed Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) was successfully test-fired from Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Army on June 28, 2022.

    The all-indigenous ATGM employs a tandem High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead to defeat Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) protected armoured vehicles. The ATGM has been developed with multi-platform launch capability and is currently undergoing technical evaluation trials from 120 mm rifled gun of MBT Arjun.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    High speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) was successfully flight-tested.

    ABHYAS – High speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) was successfully flight-tested from on June 29, 2022. The performance of the aircraft at low altitude including sustained level and high manoeuvrability was demonstrated during the test flight. The air vehicle was launched using twin under-slung boosters which provide the initial acceleration to the vehicle. It is powered by a small gas turbine engine to sustain a long endurance flight at high subsonic speed. The target aircraft is equipped with Micro-Electromechanical Systems-based Inertial Navigation System for navigation along with the Flight Control Computer for guidance and control along with Indigenous Radio Altimeter for very low altitude flight and Data Link for encrypted communication between the Ground Control Station and Target Aircraft. The vehicle is programmed for fully autonomous flight.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    India and & Saudi Arabia discuss ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation.

    Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Defence for Strategic Affairs Mr. Ahmed A Aseeri called on Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar in New Delhi on June 30, 2022. They discussed ways to enhance defence cooperation between the two countries. The Deputy Minister briefed the Defence Secretary about the 5th meeting of India – Saudi Arabia Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) that was held on June 29, 2022.

    During JCDC the meeting, the two sides reviewed the progress made in military-to-military engagements, including joint exercises, expert exchanges and industry cooperation. It was decided to identify new avenues and examine areas of mutual interest for Joint Venture in order to enhance defence industry cooperation. Enhancing the scope and complexities of the existing joint naval exercises and expanding bilateral exercises in other domains were also discussed.

    It was agreed to hold the next meeting of JCDC in Saudi Arabia on mutually convenient dates in 2023. The JCDC is the apex body between the Defence Ministries of India and Saudi Arabia to comprehensively review & guide all aspects of bilateral defence cooperation.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    India delivers 6 tons of medical assistance to Afghanistan.

    India supplied the seventh batch of medical assistance on 30June 2022, consisting of 6 tons of essential medicines to Afghanistan, as part of India’s ongoing humanitarian assistance. The same was handed over to the Indira Gandhi Hospital, Kabul. In the wake of recent tragic earthquake, India, as the first responder, supplied almost 28 tons of earthquake relief assistance in two relief flights. These relief consignments were handed over to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), UN World Food Program (WFP) and the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS). Furthermore, India is in the process to ship more medical and wheat assistance to Afghanistan in coordination with the UN agencies on ground.
    For more information:
    Click here to read…

    Fourth India-Japan Cyber Dialogue.

    The Fourth India-Japan Cyber Dialogue was hosted by India virtually on 30 June 2022. The Indian Delegation was led by Smt. Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary, Cyber Diplomacy Division, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), while the Japanese delegation was led by Mr Yutaka Arima, Ambassador in-charge of Cyber Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

    Both sides discussed important areas of bilateral cyber cooperation and reviewed the progress achieved in the areas of cybersecurity and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) including 5G Technology. Both sides exchanged views on latest developments in cyber domain and mutual cooperation during cyber consultations at the United Nations and other multilateral and regional fora.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    Africa
    Somalia
    Security forces killed at least 67 al-Shabaab terrorists in a foiled attack in Galgaduud region.

    On 17 June 2022, Somalia’s Galmudug State forces killed 67 al-Shabaab terrorists and wounded several others in a foiled attack in Bahdo area in Galgaduud region. According to the Information Minister of Galmudug— Ahmed Shire, “local residents and regional forces repulsed the attack by al-Shabaab terrorists in the region. The security forces personnel arrested a suicide bomber who was about to detonate a Vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) on security forces and villagers.”
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Nigeria
    Security forces killed 47 Boko Haram terrorists and rescued a Chibok girl in Borno.

    On 12 June 2022, security forces had gun-battle with terrorists while clearing their enclave in Gazuwa in Bama Local Government Area of Borno and eliminated at least 47 Boko Haram terrorists. The security forces also rescued Mary Dauda, one of the Chibok girls abducted in 2014. “The rescued mother and child are currently in military custody, receiving medical and rehabilitation attention. Also, on 06 June 2022, troops rescued five abducted victims who were kidnapped by terrorists,” said Defence Headquarters’ spokesman— Maj Gen Bernard Onyeuko.

    However, Boko Haram terrorists and their families continued to surrender before Nigerian troops in the North-East part. “Cumulatively, a total of 57,004 of Boko Haram terrorists and their families have surrendered comprising of 12,547 males, 17,027 females, and 27,430 children,” added Maj Gen Onyeuko.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Afghanistan
    IS-KP claimed responsibility for Karte Parwan Gurudwara attack in Kabul.

    On 18 June 2022, the Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) terrorists carried out an attack on Gurudwara in Kabul in which two people, including a Sikh community member, were killed. In a statement released on its Amaq website, the IS-KP claimed the responsibility of the attack and called it a targeted attack on Hindus and Sikhs and the ‘apostates’ who protected them in ‘an act of support for the Messenger of Allah’.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Pakistan
    Pakistan remained on FATF’s ‘grey list’.

    On 17 June 2022, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)’s President— Marcus Pleyer had announced that Pakistan would remain on ‘grey list’ of nations that do not take full measures to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. The announcement gave a blow to Pakistan’s newly elected government, which said it has mostly complied with the FATF’s tasks set for Pakistan. “An onsite inspection by FATF team in Pakistan would be done before October 2022. However, FATF is praising Pakistan for implementing the organisation’s action plans— a clear indication that Pakistan is moving closer to getting off the ‘grey list’”, said FATF President Pleyer.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    China blocked India-US’ joint move to designate deputy chief of LeT as terrorist under the UNSC sanctions.

    At the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), China blocked a joint move by India and the United States (US) to enlist Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)’s deputy chief— Abdul Rehman Makki as a global terrorist, by placing a ‘technical hold’ on the proposal.

    China’s move was in the similar fashion which it had adopted to repeatedly block the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief— Masood Azhar, under the UNSC’s al-Qa’ida and ISIL Sanctions Committee, before finally relenting in May 2019 in the face of international pressure.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    NIA officials searched multiple locations in the UT of J&K in ‘J&K Terror Conspiracy’ case.

    On 24 June 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched 14 locations in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in districts of Srinagar, Baramulla, Pulwama, Anantnag, Budgam, and Kathua, in connection with the ‘J&K Terror Conspiracy’ case.
    The case— RC-05/2022/NIA/JMU relates to terror conspiracy hatched by Pakistan-based commanders of terrorist organisations for furthering terror activities, including targeted killings of minorities, security forces personnel, and attacking religious pilgrimages, including Holy Sri Amarnathji Yatra, Shri Maa Vaishno Devi Yatra.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Security forces killed three terrorists in two separate CT operations in Pulwama and Baramulla.

    On 21 June 2022, security forces eliminated three terrorists in two separate counter-terrorism (CT) operations in Pulwama and Baramulla districts of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). In first operation, security forces carried out a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Tulibal village in Sopore area of Baramulla district and killed an unidentified terrorist.

    In other CT operation on the same day, security forces killed two terrorists in Tujjan area in Pulwama district. According to police reports, one of the slain terrorists was identified as Majid Nasir of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA officials searched multiple locations in the UT of J&K and arrested a terrorist in ‘TRF Conspiracy’ case.

    On 22 June 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched 11 locations in the Union of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)’s Srinagar, Kulgam, Pulwama and Ganderbal districts and arrested a terrorist— Mudasir Ahmed Dar, from Kulgam.

    The case— RC-32/2021/NIA/DLI relates to the activities of The Resistance Front (TRF), which is an off-shoot terror group of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), for radicalising, motivating, and recruiting youth from
    J&K to undertake terror activities in the Valley and other parts of India. Mudasir was involved in providing logistic support and transportation of arms and ammunition.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    “Security forces have eliminated 118 terrorists, mostly of LeT, since January 2022”: claimed J&K Police.

    Compared to the previous year, security forces have eliminated 63 more terrorists in 2022. “Since January 2022, security forces killed 118 terrorists, including 32 foreign terrorists. Out of 118, 77 terrorists were belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and 26 were of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM),” said Inspector-General of Police (IGP) (Kashmir)— Vijay Kumar. Since 15 June 2022, 17 terrorists have been killed in the Valley.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA officials searched multiple locations in the UT of J&K and arrested four OGWs from Pulwama.

    On 20 June 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched seven locations in Pulwama district of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and arrested four Over-Ground Workers (OGWs)—i) Sahil Ahmed Khan, ii) Jahangir Ahmed Dar, iii) Shahid Ahmed Shergojri, and iv) Inayat Gulzar Bhat, for harbouring Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists in the Valley and arranged transportation and logistic support for them.

    The case— RC-02/2022/NIA/JMU relates to the activities of JeM, in which two terrorists were eliminated by security forces at Chewa Kalan in Pulwama on 11 March 2022.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Security forces killed four HM terrorists in two CT operations in Anantnag and Kulgam.

    On 14 June 2022, acting on an intelligence input, a joint team of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police, Indian Army’s 1 Rashtriya Rifles, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Mishipora-Kujjar village of Yaripora area in Kulgam district and killed two Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorists.

    In another counter-terrorism (CT) operation on the same day, security forces killed two HM terrorists in Hangalgund, Kokernag area of Anantnag district. “One of the slain terrorists was involved in the killing of Rajni Bala— a teacher from Samba who was assassinated at Gopal Pora Kulgam on 31 May 2022,” said Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Range— Vijay Kumar.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Left-Wing Extremism
    NIA officials arrested a Maoist in connection with ‘Edakkara Maoist’ case.

    On 24 June 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested Iyyappan G aka Hari, from Tamil Nadu, in connection with ‘Edakkara Maoist’ case.

    The case— RC-02/2021/NIA/KOC pertains to membership and conduct of training camp for cadres of CPI (Maoist), including arms training, flag hoisting, and celebrations of CPI (Maoist)’s formation day during the last week of September 2016 in Nilambur forest of Malappuram district in Kerala.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Three CRPF personnel attained Veergati in Maoist attack in Odisha.

    On 21 June 2022, three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel attained Veergati (fell in the battle) in a Maoist attack in Patadhara Reserve Forest in Bheden block in Nuapada district in Odisha. “It was suspected that Maoists had prior information regarding the movement of the forces; all of a sudden, they (Maoists) opened fire on the forces,” said a police officer on anonymity basis.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA officials raided multiple locations in Telangana and arrested three Maoists in ‘Peddabayalu CPI (Maoist) recruitment’ case.

    On 23 June 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out search operations in three locations in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy, Medak and Secunderabad districts, and arrested three Maoists— i) Dongari Devendra, ii) Dubasi Swapna, and iii) Chukka Shilpa.

    The case— RC-02/2022/NIA/HYD relates to the conspiracy and recruitment of one college student by the operatives of Chaitanya MahilaSangham (CMS)— a frontal organisation of CPI (Maoist).
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
    Two Islamic extremists beheaded a tailor in Rajasthan over his support to Nupur Sharma’s statement on Prophet Mohammad.

    On 29 June 2022, two Islamic extremists— Mohammad RiyazAkhtari and Gaus/Ghouse Mohammad posed as a customer while entering a tailor shop and beheaded the tailor— Kanhaiya Lal over his social media post supporting former BJP spokesperson— Nupur Sharma’s remarks on Prophet Mohammad.

    The duo extremists shot a video of killing of Kanhaiya Lal, and also threatened Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in another video, which went viral on social media platforms. Soon, police traced and arrested both extremists from Rajsamand district, 61 km from Udaipur in Rajasthan. Prohibited orders were imposed under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) across Rajasthan for a month and mobile internet services had been suspended for 24 hours followed by the incident.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Khalistan-inspired Extremism
    Ahead of political roadshow, Khalistan slogan found at Sangrur temple gate.

    On 19 June 2022, ahead of the political road show of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to be taken out by Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, the ‘Khalistan slogan’ and ‘26 January 2023 referendum’ was found painted at the gate of a Kali Devi temple in Sangrur.

    The proscribed organisation— Sikh for Justice (SFJ)’s legal advisor— Gurpatwant Singh Pannun uploaded a video on social media and informed that “the AAP formed government in Punjab with the support, including financial, of pro-Khalistan Sikhs. The Khalistan Referendum votes will be polled on 26 January 2023 and if AAP government tried to take any step against it, they will be reminded about the assassination of former Punjab CM Beant Singh. The only solution of Punjab is Khalistan.”
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs)
    NIA officials searched two locations in West Bengal in case of ‘Seizure of FICN at Kolkata’.

    On 26 June 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out search operation at two locations in Golabgunj and Sultangunj in Kaliachak Police Station area in Malda district of West Bengal.

    The search operation was related to the case— RC-08/2020/NIA/DLI, in which high quality Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) of worth ₹ 3,46,000 were recovered from possession of two FICN traffickers— i) Senaul SK, and ii) Akramul, near Calcutta Sports Journalists’ Club, Maidan Tent, Kolkata. During the search operations, NIA officials seized digital devices, including mobile phone, SIMs, and other incriminating materials.
    For more information:
    Click here to read…

    NIA filed chargesheet against four FICN traffickers in case of ‘Seizure of FICN and Gold at IGI Airport New Delhi’.

    On 24 June 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet before the NIA Special Court (New Delhi) against four Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) traffickers— i) Mohammad Shahjan (Uttar Pradesh), ii) Amir ul-Haq (Delhi), iii) Abdul Wahid (Delhi), and iv) Amandeep Singh (Punjab), in a case related to the seizure of the FICN and Gold at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi.

    In case— RC-05/2022/NIA/DLI, the custom officials seized FICNs worth ₹ 10 lakhs and 175 gms of Gold from Mohammad Shahjan who had arrived from Ras al-Khaimah airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to the investigation, Shahjan conspired with other FICN traffickers, including Amir ul-Haq and Amandeep Singh. Abdul Wahid used to provide logistic support and arrange funds for visa and air tickets of the ‘human couriers’ involved in smuggling of FICN and gold to India.
    For more information:
    Click here to read…

    Human-Trafficking
    NIA officials searched a location in Uttar Pradesh and arrested a human-trafficker.

    On 22 June 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched a location in Deoband in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh and arrested a human-trafficker— Mazid Ullah (resident of Myanmar) in the conspiracy of illegal trafficking of Rohingya and Bangladeshi Muslims into India.
    The search operation was related to the case— RC-05/2021/NIA/GUW, in which NIA officials seized digital devices, including mobile phones, SIM cards and memory sticks, and other incriminating materials.
    For more information:
    Click here to read…

    VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 16-31 May 2022

    DEFENCE

    • Launch of two indigenous frontline warships.
    • Successful maiden flight-test of indigenously-developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile.
    • Indigenisation of defence items with the Industry in full swing.
    • Indian Navy-Bangladesh Navy Coordinated Patrol.
    • Prime Minister’s participation in the Quad Leaders’ Summit.
    • Prime Minister’s meeting with President of the United States of America.
    • Prime Minister’s meeting with Australian Prime Minister on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders’ Summit.
    • Prime Minister’s meeting with Prime Minister of Japan.
    • 11th meeting of India-UAE Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC).
    • Raksha Mantri inaugurated the three-day 39th Commanders’ Conference of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
    • MoD signs over Rs 2,900 crore contract with BDL for procurement of ASTRA Mk I Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile System.
    • 24th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs.

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    West Asia
    • US sanctioned Iran’s IRGC and Hizbu’llah’s oil smuggling network.
    • “Al-Aqsa violation ‘will blow apart region’”: Hizbu’llah’s chief Nasrallah
    • US Department of State removed five organisations from terrorist blacklist.
    Africa
    Nigeria
    • Boko Haram terrorists killed at least 50 people in an attack in Borno State.
    Afghanistan
    • “Afghan govt acting as mediator between Pakistan and TTP”: Taliban spokesman Mujahid.
    • “India should not retain ties with former Afghanistan rulers”: Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen.

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    • NIA Special Court (New Delhi) pronounced sentence in ‘Hurriyat Terror Funding’ case.
    • Security forces eliminated three JeM terrorists in Baramulla.
    • Security forces cracked a module and arrested eight JeM OGWs from Pulwama.
    Left-Wing Extremism
    • Maoist couple surrendered in Chhattisgarh.
    Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
    • NIA filed chargesheet against an accused in ‘Ansarullah’ case.
    • Sufi Islamic Board claimed ‘PFI part of al-Qa’ida’ and reiterated demand to ban the PFI.
    Khalistan-inspired Extremism
    • “Pro-Khalistan group member involved in the ‘bomb near Chandigarh Model jail’ incident”: Police
    • “Pakistan’s ISI instructed Khalistani OGWs to target railway tracks in Punjab and other States”: Indian intelligence agencies.
    Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) cases
    • NIA Special Court (Kolkata) convicted and sentenced three FICN traffickers in ‘FICN seizure in Farakka’ case.

    DEFENCE

    Launch of two indigenous frontline warships.

    Raksha Mantri (RM) launched two frontline warships of the Indian Navy – ‘Surat’ and ‘Udaygiri’ – at Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL), Mumbai on May 17, 2022. ‘Surat’ is the fourth Guided Missile Destroyer of P15B class, while ‘Udaygiri’ is the second Stealth Frigate of P17A class. Both warships have been designed in-house by the Directorate of Naval Design (DND) and built at MDL, Mumbai.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Successful maiden flight-test of indigenously-developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile.

    Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy successfully conducted maiden flight-test of indigenously-developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile launched from a Naval Helicopter.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indigenisation of defence items with the Industry in full swing.

    Ministry of Defence has intensified the drive for indigenisation of defence items by its DPSUs andthe progress is being reviewed on weekly basis by Defence Secretary.A comprehensive user-friendly ‘Dashboard’ on its SRIJAN Portal has been developed to monitor the status of progress of indigenisation. This dashboard enables real-time end-to-end updates of various activities being taken up by the respective DPSUs during the process of indigenisation. It may be mentioned that DDP had notified two Positive Indigenisation Lists in December 2021 and March 2022 in respect of DPSUs. The first list contains 2,851 items, out of which 2,500 items are already indigenised and 351 items are being indigenized.The second report notified 107 major Line Replacement Units/Sub-systems for indigenisation. Out of 107 items, DPSUs have already issued Expression of Interest (EoIs) for 98 items and the action is on for issuing EoIs for remaining nine items. Out of the 98 EoIs, 28 cases have already progressed in next stages and 70 EoIs are in active stage.
    Reference: Click here to read…

    Indian Navy-Bangladesh Navy Coordinated Patrol.

    The fourth edition of the Indian Navy-Bangladesh Navy Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) commenced in the Northern Bay of Bengal on 22 May 22. Indian Navy and Bangladesh Navy units will undertake joint patrolling along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) till 23 May 22.

    In addition the third edition of Indian Navy (IN) – Bangladesh Navy (BN) Bilateral Exercise ‘Bongosagar’ commenced at Port Mongla, Bangladesh on 24 May 22. The Harbour Phase of exercise is scheduled from 24-25 May which will be followed by a Sea Phase in the Northern Bay of Bengal from 26-27 May.
    For more information:
    Click here to read… and
    Click here to read…

    Prime Minister’s participation in the Quad Leaders’ Summit.

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the second in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo, Japan on 24 May 2022. This was the fourth interaction of the Leaders since their first virtual meeting in March 2021, the Summit in Washington D.C in September 2021 and their virtual interaction in March 2022. The Leaders reiterated their shared commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and the importance of upholding theprinciples of sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful resolution of disputes. They exchanged perspectives on developments in the Indo-Pacific and the conflict in Europe. Prime Minister highlighted India’s consistent and principled position on the need for cessation of hostilities, resumption of dialogue and diplomacy. The Leaders also took stock of ongoing Quad collaboration and their vision for the future.

    Key aspects of terrorism, Covid management, environment, Maritime domain awareness, ASEAN centrality, HADR, critical technology supply chains, and critical cyber security infrastructure of the region were also discussed. The Leaders agreed to continue their dialogue and consultations and look forward to the next Summit hosted by Australia in 2023.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Prime Minister’s meeting with President of the United States of America.

    The Indian Prime Minister had a warm and productive meeting with the President of the United States of America, on 24 May 2022, in Tokyo. The meeting resulted in substantive outcomes which will add depth and momentum to the bilateral partnership.

    The two Leaders welcomed the signing of the Investment Incentive Agreement which enables the US Development Finance Corporation to continue providing investment support in India in sectors of shared priority such as healthcare, renewable energy, SMEs, infrastructure etc. Both sides launched an India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) to facilitate outcome-oriented cooperation. Co-led by the National Security Council Secretariat in India and the U.S. National Security Council, iCET would forge closer linkages between government, academia and industry of the two countries in areas such as AI, quantum computing, 5G/6G, biotech, space and semiconductors.Noting that defence and security cooperation is a crucial pillar of the India-US bilateral agenda, both sides discussed how they can further strengthen collaboration. In this context Prime Minister invited the US industry to partner with India to manufacture in India under the Make in India and Aatma Nirbhar Bharat or self-reliant India programmes which can be of mutual benefit to both countries.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Prime Minister’s meeting with Australian Prime Minister on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders’ Summit.

    The Indian Prime Minister held a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister on 24 May 2022 on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo, Japan.
    Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Albanese for his election victory. Both leaders reviewed the multi-faceted cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including in trade & investment, defence manufacturing, renewable energy including green hydrogen, education, science and technology, agricultural research, sports and people-to-people ties.
    Reference: Click here to read…

    Prime Minister’s meeting with Prime Minister of Japan.

    The Indian Prime Minister had a warm and productive meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister, on 24 May 2022. The two leaders agreed to further enhance bilateral security and defence cooperation, including in the area of defence manufacturing. They concurred that the next 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting may be held in Japan at the earliest.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    11th meeting of India-UAE Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC).

    Chief of the Force Development Authority at Ministry of Defence, United Arab Emirates Major General Staff Hassan Mohamed Sultan Bani Hammad called on Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar in New Delhi on May 25, 2022. They discussed ways to enhance defence cooperation between the two countries. The General also briefed the Defence Secretary about the 11th meeting of India-UAE Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) held on May 24, 2022.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Raksha Mantri inaugurated the three-day 39th Commanders’ Conference of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

    RM inaugurated the three-day 39th Commanders’ Conference of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). In his address to the gathering he said “Terrorism, drug trafficking and piracy are some non-traditional challenges in front of us today. The entire region is being affected by these challenges. Being a responsible maritime power, we have a clear interest to create a rule-based, peaceful and stable environment. Such a rule based environment is essential for both regional and global prosperity. In such a situation, the ICG has a big role to play.” He praised the ICG for playing an incomparable role in assisting the civil administration during natural calamities as well as towards achieving the goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    MoD signs over Rs 2,900 crore contract with BDL for procurement of ASTRA Mk I Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile System.

    Ministry of Defence, on May 31, 2022, signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for supply of ASTRA MK-I Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air to Air Missile (AAM) and associated equipment for the Indian Air Force & Indian Navy at a cost of Rs 2,971 crore under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.The missile, for which successful trials have already been undertaken by the IAF, is fully integrated on the Su 30 MK-I fighter aircraft & will be integrated with other fighter aircraft in a phased manner, including the Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas). The Indian Navy will integrate the missile on the MiG 29K fighter aircraft.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    24th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs.

    The 24th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held on 31 May 2022. The two sides exchanged views on the current situation along the LAC in the Western Sector in Eastern Ladakh. They agreed that as instructed by the two Foreign Ministers, both sides should continue the discussions through diplomatic and military channels to resolve the remaining issues along the LAC at the earliest so as to create conditions for restoration of normalcy in bilateral relations. In this context, they agreed to hold the next (16th) round of the Senior Commanders meeting at an early date to achieve the objective of complete disengagement from all friction points along the LAC in the Western Sector in accordance with the existing bilateral agreements and protocols.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    West Asia
    US sanctioned Iran’s IRGC and Hizbu’llah’s oil smuggling network

    On 25 May 2022, the United States’ Department of Treasury imposed new sanctions against a list of Iranian, Turkish, Russian, Chinese, Emirati, and Lebanese citizens and business entities for their alleged linkages with an oil smuggling network which further provide funding for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGCs) and Hizbu’llah.
    “The network was led by current and former Quds force members, along with senior officials from Russian government. The group also included backing of Chinese companies and a former Afghan diplomat’s involvement and had raised hundreds of millions of dollars for Iran’s Quds force and its Lebanese allies Hizbu’llah,” read the statement released by the US Department of Treasury.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    “Al-Aqsa violation ‘will blow apart region’”: Hizbu’llah’s chief Nasrallah

    On 25May 2022, ahead of ‘Jerusalem Day Flag March’, Hizbu’llah chief Hassan Nasrallah issued a warning that if Israel ‘violates’ al-Aqsa mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, it will result in an ‘explosion’ in the region.
    The Flag March consist of thousands of ‘hard-line’ Israeli nationalists who march through Old City’s Muslim quarter to reach the Western Wall to mark the anniversary of the city’s unification in 1967. “I want to tell the enemy’s [Israel] government… and those concerned with the regional situation. Any violation of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock will blow apart the region. It will provoke all the Arab and Islamic people and every free person,” said Hizbu’llah’s Nasrallah.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    US Department of State removed five organisations from terrorist blacklist

    On 20 May 2022, the United States (US) Department of State removed five extremist/terrorist organisations— i) Basque Separatist Group ETA (Spain), ii) AumShinrikyo (Japanese terror group), iii) Kahane Kach (Israeli radical group), and two Islamic terror groups that have been active in Israel, the Palestinian territory and Egypt, from its list of Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs). All these groups are believed to be defunct.
    In a notice published in the Federal Register, the US Department of State removed these groups after a mandatory five-year review of their designations. “These revocations do not seek to overlook or excuse the terrorist acts each of these groups previously engaged in or the harm the organisations caused its victims, but rather recognize the success Egypt, Israel, Japan, and Spain have had in defusing the threat of terrorism by these groups,” read the statement released by the Department of State.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Africa
    Nigeria
    Boko Haram terrorists killed at least 50 people in an attack in Borno State

    On 22 May 2022, Boko Haram terrorists carried out an attack in the town of Rann in Borno State in Nigeria, and killed at least 50 people. “We are all in pain over the killing of our innocent people who were working on their farmland. … We buried 50 people today in Rann. They were clearing their farmlands ahead of the rainy season, while others went for firewood,” said a local farmer— Harun Tom.
    Since 2009, Boko Haram carrying out terror attacks in Nigeria’s North-East and Borno State. Millions have been displaced and around 350,000 people have died from attacks, according to the data from the United Nations (UN).
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Afghanistan
    “Afghan govt acting as mediator between Pakistan and TTP”: Taliban spokesman Mujahid.

    Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that Taliban-led Afghan government is playing the role of a mediator in the ongoing talks between the Pakistan government and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terror group, which demanded the release of 30 key TTP commanders detained by Pakistan authorities.
    The TTP delegates handed-over a list of 30 key TTP commanders to Pakistani authorities, to which they received positive response.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    “India should not retain ties with former Afghanistan rulers”: Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen

    In an interview with The Print, the Head of Taliban’s Political Office in Doha and spokesperson— Suhail Shaheen said that “India should establish ties— based on national and mutual interest with the Taliban government in Kabul and sever all links with the former Ashraf Ghani government.” Suhail added that India must think of having deeper ties with the ‘people of Afghanistan’ and must re-open its embassy in Kabul. Taliban was committed to provide complete security assurance to the Indian diplomats in Afghanistan.
    “We [Taliban] have announced time and again that it is our commitment to provide security to all diplomats working in Kabul. It is our responsibility and we have proved that. There are many embassies working in Kabul and we have provided full security to them. That also includes India if they want to open their embassy,” said Suhail Shaheen.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    NIA Special Court (New Delhi) pronounced sentence in ‘Hurriyat Terror Funding’ case

    On 25 May 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, New Delhi, marked sentence convicting terrorists under various Sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA (P)A] and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) terrorist— Yasin Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment and fine under Sections 120-B, 121, 121-A of the IPC, Sections 13 r/w 120-B of IPC, 15 r/w 120-B of the IPC, 17, 18, 20, 38, and 39 of the UA(P)A.

    The case— RC-10/2017/NIA/DLI pertains to the conspiracy of Hafiz Saeed and members of Hurriyat Conference, who acted with terrorists of banned organisations, including Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM), Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and other groups, to raise, receive funds domestically and internationally through illegal channels, including Hawala, for funding terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Security forces eliminated three JeM terrorists in Baramulla

    On 25 May 2022, security forces killed three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists at Najibhat crossing in Kreeri area of Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). During the gun-battle with terrorists, a constable of J&K police— Mudasir Khan attained Veergati. Security forces recovered incriminating material, including arms and ammunition, from the operation site.
    For more information: Click here to read… ; Click here to read…

    Security forces cracked a module and arrested eight JeM OGWs from Pulwama

    Security forces, including Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police, cracked a module and arrested eight Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) Over-Ground Workers (OGWs)— i) Mushtaq Ahmad Dar, ii) Ishfaq Ahmad Dar, iii) Manzoor Ahmad Dar, iv) Fayaz Ahmad Rather, v) Shabir Ahmed Rather, vi) Mohammad Latief Rather, vii) Sheeraz Ahmad Mir, and viii) Waseem Ahmad Bhat, from Awantipora in Pulwama district.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Left-Wing Extremism
    Maoist couple surrendered in Chhattisgarh

    On 17 May 2022, a Maoist couple— Hurra Kunjam and his wife Budhari Madvi, surrendered before security forces in Dantewada district in Chhattisgarh. The couple was involved in several attacks and together carrying a reward of ₹ 7 lakh. “The couple expressed their disappointment with the hollow Maoist ideology and exploitation of lower-rung cadres by senior Maoist members,” said Superintendent of Police (SP) [Dantewada] — Siddharth Tiwari.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
    NIA filed chargesheet against an accused in ‘Ansarullah’ case.

    On 25 May 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary chargesheet against Divan Mujipeer aka Divan, under Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].

    The case— RC-16/2019/NIA/DLI relates to the conspiracy hatched by Divan and his associates who had pledged to al-Qa’ida and Islamic State (IS) and had formed a module— Ansarullah, while being resident in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The investigation revealed that Divan and other accused— Mohammad Ibrahim, Mohammad Sheikh Maitheen, Meeran Ghani, and Gulam Nabi Asath, formed Ansarullah cell in the UAE with intentions to establish Islamic caliphate in India, mainly in Tamil Nadu, through jihad.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Sufi Islamic Board claimed ‘PFI part of al-Qa’ida’ and reiterated demand to ban the PFI.

    The Sufi Islamic Board in India claimed that the radical outfit— Popular Front of India (PFI) is operating on direction of al-Qa’ida. “The PFI has been involved in several anti-India activities. After al-Qa’ida’s death threat to the Sufi Islamic Board, it is evident that the PFI is a part of al-Qa’ida. We (the Board) appeal to the Central government to ban PFI and take stringent action against the extremist organisation (PFI),” said the Sufi Islamic Board spokesperson Kashish Warsi.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Khalistan-inspired Extremism
    “Pro-Khalistan group member involved in the ‘bomb near Chandigarh Model jail’ incident”: Police.

    The police investigation into the case of recovery of a bomb near Chandigarh Model jail in Sector 51, in April 2022, has revealed the involvement of Jaswinder Singh Multani— a Sikh For Justice (SFJ) member. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is likely to take over the case. Multani (45 years-old) was also the mastermind of the 2021 Ludhiana court blast case and was arrested in Germany in December 2021.

    Along with his associates in Pakistan, Multani was involved in radicalising Sikh youth and conspiring attacks in Delhi and Mumbai as well.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    “Pakistan’s ISI instructed Khalistani OGWs to target railway tracks in Punjab and other States”: Indian intelligence agencies.

    According to the Indian intelligence officials, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Directorate has instructed Khalistani Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) to target railway tracks in Punjab. For the purpose, the ISI has been offering huge funding to OGWs with coordination from Khalistani terrorist— Harvinder Singh Rinda, who is hiding in Lahore, Pakistan.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) cases
    NIA Special Court (Kolkata) convicted and sentenced three FICN traffickers in ‘FICN seizure in Farakka’ case.

    On 21 May 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, Kolkata, convicted and sentenced three Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) traffickers— i) Jakir S K, ii) Bapi Ghosh, and iii) Mohammad Jamiul S K, under Sections 120-B, 489-B, 489-C of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and awarded 05 years rigorous imprisonment and fine of ₹ 10,000 to each trafficker.

    The case— RC-10/2019/NIA/DLI is related to the recovery of FICNs worth of ₹ 7,00,000 (7 lacs) in denomination of ₹ 2,000 (300 counts), and ₹ 500 (200 counts) from the possession of Jakir S K and Bapi Ghosh by West Bengal police at Ballalpur Belly bridge, Murshidabad district, West Bengal.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 16-31 October 2021

    DEFENCE

    • Exercise Yudh Abhyas 21.
    • Inaugural India – UK Maritime Dialogue.
    • Indian Army at Cambrian Patrol Exercise.
    • UK Joint Tri-Service exercise Ex KONKAN SHAKTI.
    • Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of Naval Staff, Royal Navy on a visit to India from.
    • Ambassadors’ Round Table for Def Expo 2022.
    • Chief of Naval Staff, Bangladesh Navy visit to India.
    • Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD).
    • Agni-5, successfully launched.
    • Test of indigenously developed Long-Range Bomb (LRB) successful.
    • India-Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on bilateral defence cooperation.
    • Meeting of the India-Nepal Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues.

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    West Asia
    • Iraq: Islamic State terrorists killed at least 11 people in an attack in Diyala province.
    Africa
    Somalia
    • Army killed four al-Shabaab terrorists in Bakool region.
    Afghanistan
    • IS-KP could be able to attack US in six months, claimed Pentagon official.

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    • NIA arrested 12 OGWs in ‘J&K terrorism conspiracy’ case.
    • Security forces killed four LeT terrorists in Shopian and Kulgam districts.
    • NIA searched seven districts of J&K in ‘JeI terror funding’ case.
    • NIA Special Court sentenced four HM terrorists in ‘JAKART case’.
    Left-Wing Extremism
    • STF killed a Maoist in Bihar.
    • Police eliminated three Maoists in Telangana.
    • NIA conducted searches at four locations in Bihar in ‘Arms Recovery’ case.
    Islamic Extremism
    • NIA filed supplementary chargesheet against an al-Qa’ida terrorist in AQIS module case.
    • NIA court convicted 9 SIMI terrorists in Patna Serial Blast cases.
    • NIA filed a charge sheet against IS terrorist in ‘ISIS Delhi Amroha module’ case.
    • NIA officials arrested an IS terrorist from IGI Airport in Delhi.

    CYBER, INFORMATION WARFARE & AI (SECURITY PERSPECTIVE)

    • Indian Army & Amity University to jointly set up a CoE in Engineering, Innovation, and Technology.

    DEFENCE

    Exercise Yudh Abhyas 21.

    The 17th Edition of Indo – US joint training exercise “EX YUDH ABHYAS 21” commenced at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska (USA) on 15 October 2021 with an opening ceremony that saw the unfurling of the National Flags of both countries amidst playing of the National anthems, “Jana Gana Mana” and “The Star Spangled Banner”. 300 US Army soldiers belonging to First Squadron (Airborne) of the 40th Cavalry Regiment and 350 soldiers of 7 MADRAS Infantry Battalion Group of Indian Army are participating in the exercise. The 14 days training schedule includes activities on joint training in a Counter Insurgency / Counter Terrorism environment under United Nations mandate. Click here to read…

    Inaugural India – UK Maritime Dialogue

    India and UK held their inaugural maritime dialogue in a virtual format on 18 October 2021, as agreed in the India-UK Roadmap 2030 for future relations adopted at the Virtual Summit between the two Prime Ministers in May 2021. The consultations, which were led by the two Foreign Ministries, involved exchanges on cooperation in the maritime domain, Indo-Pacific and regional/ multilateral cooperation. Click here to read…

    Indian Army at Cambrian Patrol Exercise

    A team from 4/5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) which represented the Indian Army at the prestigious Cambrian Patrol Exercise at Brecon, Wales, UK from 13th to 15th October 2021 has been awarded Gold medal. Ex Cambrian Patrol organised by the UK Army is considered the ultimate test of human endurance, team spirit and is sometimes referred as the Olympics of Military Patrolling among militaries in the world. The Indian Army team participated in the event and competed against a total of 96 teams which included 17 international teams representing Special Forces and prestigious Regiments from around the world. Click here to read…

    UK Joint Tri-Service exercise Konkan Shakti.

    The maiden India – UK Joint Tri-Service exercise Ex KONKAN SHAKTI is scheduled in India from 21 – 27 Oct 21. The maritime component of the exercise, to be conducted off the west coast of India, is scheduled to be held in two phases. The harbour phase is planned at Mumbai from 21 – 23 Oct 21, while at sea, the exercises will be conducted from 24 – 27 Oct 21. The naval linkages between India and the United Kingdom is one of antiquity and, over a period, it has grown substantially in terms of interoperability and synergy. The exercise will also see participation by IAF aircraft that include Jaguars, SU-30 MKI fighters, AWACS, AEW&C and Flight Refuelling Aircraft. The land phase of the exercise is being conducted between Indian Army and UK Army at Chaubatia Click here to read…

    Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of Naval Staff, Royal Navy on a visit to India from.

    Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of Naval Staff, Royal Navy is on a three day official visit to India from 22-24 Oct 21. Adm Radakin interacted with Adm Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff on 22 Oct 21. Amongst other naval bilateral cooperation issues, the Chiefs emphasised on collaborative mechanisms towards ensuring peace and security in the region. He is also scheduled to visit Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command (at Mumbai) wherein he would interact with VAdm R Hari Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. Adm Radakin would also embark HMS Queen Elizabeth, Flagship of UK CSG 21. Click here to read…

    Ambassadors’ Round Table for Def Expo 2022

    In a major outreach to the friendly foreign countries as also to the defence manufacturing industries of the world, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh chaired the Ambassadors’ Round Table for Def Expo 2022, in New Delhi on October 25, 2021. The Round Table was aimed to brief the Ambassadors of foreign missions about the planning, arrangements and other details of Def Expo 2022, which will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat between March 10 and 13, 2022. More than 200 delegates, including Ambassadors, Heads of Missions and Defence Attaches attended the Round Table, reflecting the growing global interest in the Indian Defence space. Click here to read…

    Chief of Naval Staff, Bangladesh Navy visit to India

    Chief of Naval Staff, Bangladesh Navy, is on an official visit to India, from 23 – 29 Oct 21. At New Delhi, Admiral Shaheen Iqbal will interact with the Chief of Naval Staff, in addition to the Chief of Defence Staff and other high ranking Gol officials. During the bilateral interactions, issues relating to joint cooperative efforts like Coordinated Patrol along International Maritime Boundary Line, bilateral exercise BONGOSAGAR, conduct of naval training and reciprocal visits of delegations would be discussed. Click here to read…

    Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD).

    First conducted in 2018, the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) is the apex international annual conference of the Indian Navy. The aim of each successive edition of the IPRD is to review both opportunities and challenges that arise within the Indo-Pacific. IPRD 2021 is being held as a three-day online event from 27to 29 October 2021. This year’s IPRD will focus on eight specific sub-themes under the broad theme of “Evolution in Maritime Strategy during the 21st Century: Imperatives, Challenges, and, Way Ahead”. Click here to read…

    Agni-5, successfully launched

    A successful launch of the Surface to Surface Ballistic Missile, Agni-5, was carried out on October 27, 2021 at approximately 1950 hrs from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. The missile, which uses a three-stage solid fuelled engine, is capable of striking targets at ranges up to 5,000 kilometres with a very high degree of accuracy. The successful test of Agni-5 is in line with India’s stated policy to have ‘credible minimum deterrence’ that underpins the commitment to ‘No First Use’. Click here to read…

    Test of indigenously developed Long-Range Bomb (LRB) successful.

    Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF) team jointly flight tested indigenously developed Long-Range Bomb (LRB) successfully from an aerial platform on October 29, 2021. The LR Bomb, after release from the IAF fighter aircraft, guided to a land-based target at a long range with accuracy within specified limits. Click here to read…

    India-Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on bilateral defence cooperation

    India-Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) on Bilateral Defence Cooperation has agreed to form a Task Force to formulate a comprehensive Ten-Year Roadmap to identify new areas of cooperation. This was decided at the 15th JWG meeting held on October 27, 2021 in Tel Aviv, Israel. The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and the Director General of the Israel’s Ministry of Defence, Maj Gen (Retd) Amir Eshel.

    The JWG is the apex body between the Ministry of Defence of India and Israel’s Ministry of Defence to comprehensively review and guide all aspects of Bilateral Defence Cooperation.
    The two sides reviewed the progress made in Military to Military engagements including exercises and industry cooperation. The Co-chairs were also appraised on the progress made by the Sub Working Groups (SWG) on Defence Procurement & Production and Research & Development. Click here to read…

    Meeting of the India-Nepal Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues

    The Fourteenth Meeting of the India-Nepal Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues (BCGSI) was held in Bengaluru on 28 October 2021. The delegations comprised officials from respective Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, Directorates of the Indian Army and the Nepal Army and from the National Disaster Management Authority.

    Discussions covered issues relating to mutual security concerns, training and capacity building requirements of defence forces of Nepal, cooperation in disaster management, requirements of Nepal Army for various defence stores, exchange of experts/instructors, exchange of high level and functional level visits, joint expeditions and adventure sports activities and information sharing. Click here to read…

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    West Asia
    Iraq
    Islamic State terrorists killed at least 11 people in an attack in Diyala province

    On 26 October 2021, Islamic State (IS) terrorists attacked and killed at least 11 people in the predominantly Shiite village of al-Rashad in northeast of Baqouba in Diyala province in Iraq. According to officials, IS terrorists had kidnapped two villagers earlier and later raided the village when their demands for ransom were not met. Several other villagers were injured in the attack. Attacks on civilians have become a rare situation in Iraq since IS was largely defeated in 2017, but the group remained active through sleeper cells in many areas. Click here to read…

    Africa
    Somalia
    Army killed four al-Shabaab terrorists in Bakool region

    On 20 October 2021, Somali National Army (SNA)’s 60th Division killed four al-Shabaab terrorists and injured several others in a gun-battle near the town of Wajid in Bakool region. “SNA carried out a counter-terrorism (CT) operation based on an input that al-Shabaab terrorists are punishing the local residents,” said Wajid’s District Commissioner—Mohamed Moallim Yusuf. Click here to read…

    Afghanistan
    IS-KP could be able to attack US in six months, claimed Pentagon official

    In an assessment, the United States’ Intelligence Community and Pentagon claimed that Islamic State in Afghanistan or Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) in six months. On 26 October 2021, Colin Kahl— Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, informed that “Afghanistan could still pose serious National Security concern for the US even after it ended its two decade-old war in defeat in August 2021.”

    In a testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Kahl said that “it was unclear if the Taliban has the ability to fight IS-KP effectively following the US withdrawal. Islamic State (IS-KP) could have the capability to attack the US in six months or has the intention to do so.” Click here to read…

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    NIA arrested 12 OGWs in ‘J&K terrorism conspiracy’ case.

    On 30 October 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested two Over-Ground Workers (OGWs)—Ishfaq Ahmed Wani, and Umar Bhat, in ‘Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) terrorism conspiracy’ case. The case is related to a conspiracy to carry-out terrorist activities in J&K, and other major cities in India, by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM), Al-Badr, and affiliated groups, including The Resistance Front (TRF), and People Against Fascist Forces (PAFF).

    Earlier, on 29 October 2021, NIA officials raided 08 locations in Srinagar, Sopore, and Baramulla districts, and arrested two OGWs— Amir Ahmad Gojri, and Saddat Amin. Till now, 23 OGWs/sympathisers have been arrested in this case.

    In another search operation on 22 October 2021, NIA searched 10 locations in Srinagar, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Anantnag, and Baramulla districts in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), and arrested eight OGWs— i) Adil Ahmad War, ii) Manan Gulzar, iii) Hilal Ahmad Dar, iv) Sobhia, v) Rouf Bhatt, vi) Shaqib Bashir, vii) Zamin Adil, and viii) Haris Nisar Langoo. All OGWs have been instrumental in providing logistical and material support to terrorists. Click here to read…

    Security forces killed four LeT terrorists in Shopian and Kulgam districts

    In two separate counter-terrorism (CT) operations on 20 October 2021, security forces eliminated four Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, including two commanders, in Shopian and Kulgam districts of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Earlier in the day, security forces acted upon an input and carried out Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Dragad area of Shopian district.

    The CASO turned into gun-battle after terrorists opened fire on the security forces personnel. In other joint operation on the same day, security forces eliminated two terrorists, including a LeT district commander—Gulzar Ahmad Reshi, in Kulgam district. Reshi was involved in recent killings of labourers from Bihar at Wanpoh. Click here to read…

    NIA searched seven districts of J&K in ‘JeI terror funding’ case

    On 27 October 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched 17 locations in seven districts—Anantnag, Kulgam, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Budgam, Kishtwar, and Jammu, in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), in connection with Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) terror funding case.

    The case was registered in February 2021, in connection with separatist activities of JeI, where the JeI operatives have been collecting funds domestically and abroad in furtherance to be used for terrorist activities. Click here to read…

    NIA Special Court sentenced four HM terrorists in ‘JAKART case’

    In ‘JAKART’ case, on 25 October 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court (Delhi) sentenced four Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorists— i) Mohammad Shafi Shah aka Doctor aka Dawood aka Nisar (12 years Rigorous Imprisonment [RI] and fine ₹ 15,000), ii) Talib Ali aka Waseem aka Abu Umer (10 years RI and fine ₹ 10,000), iii) Muzaffar Ahmad Dar aka Gaznavi aka Mohammad Ali (12 years RI and fine ₹ 15,000), and iv) Mushtaq Ahmad Lone aka Mushtaq Aalam (10 years RI and fine ₹ 10,000).

    The case was registered in 2011 against Mohammad Yusuf Shah, and other HM terrorists for carrying out terrorist activities in India and constantly receiving funds from Pakistan. Through Jammu and Kashmir Affecters Relief Trust (JAKART)—an NGO and frontal organisation of HM, funds were provided to active terrorists and families of slain terrorists of HM in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Click here to read…

    Left-Wing Extremism
    STF killed a Maoist in Bihar

    On 23 October 2021, the Special Task Force (STF) eliminated a Maoist—Pramod Koda, in a gun-battle in Lathia Pahari in Lakhisaari district in Bihar. “Lakhisaari police launched a search and rescue operation based on an input that some Maoists were hiding in the forest area of Bhagatpur after abducting son of a Public Distribution System (PDS) dealer. The STF team encountered Maoists followed by the exchange of fire, in which a Maoist was killed, and rest of the Maoists managed to escape into the forest,” said Additional Director-General of Police (ADGP)- Operation— Sushil M Khopde. An AK-47 rifle was recovered along with the body of slain Maoist. Click here to read…

    Police eliminated three Maoists in Telangana

    In an exchange of fire with the Maoists, district police, along with ‘Greyhounds’ (elite anti-Maoist special police force) eliminated three Maoists at Venkatapur village in Mulugu district bordering Chhattisgarh. Post-operation, “police recovered multiple arms and ammunition, including a SLR (Self-Loading Rifle), an AK-47 rifle, a machine gun, gadgets, and explosive materials,” said Mulugu Superintendent of Police (SP) G Sangram Singh Patil. Click here to read…

    NIA conducted searches at four locations in Bihar in ‘Arms Recovery’ case.

    On 28 October 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched four locations in Danapur and Chainpur in Patna district, in connection with ‘Arms and Ammunition Recovery’ case in which a Maoist— Parshu Ram Singh had linkages with top Maoist leaders and was providing hand grenades, explosives, and other arms and ammunition for furtherance of terrorist activities in Bihar, Jharkhand, and other States. Click here to read…

    Islamic Extremism
    NIA filed supplementary charge-sheet against an al-Qa’ida terrorist in AQIS module case

    .

    On 29 October 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary charge-sheet in the NIA Special Court, Delhi against an al-Qa’ida terrorist— Abu Sufiyan, under Sections 4 & 5 of the Explosives Substance Act, 1908. Earlier, the Charge-sheet was filed against 11 al-Qa’ida terrorists, including Abu Sufiyan, under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], and the Arms Act on 26 February 2021. Click here to read…

    NIA court convicted 9 SIMI terrorists in Patna Serial Blast cases

    On 27 October 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court (Patna) convicted nine terrorists of Students’ Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), in Patna Serial Bomb blast cases. The nine convicted SIMI terrorists are— i) Imtiaz Ansari, ii) Haider Ali, iii) Numan Ansari, iv) Mujibullah Ansari, v) Umer Siddique, vi) Azharuddin Qureshi, vii) Ahmad Hussain, viii) Mohammad Firoz Aslam, and ix) Mohammad Ifteqaar Alam.

    The cases ‘RC-10&11/2013/NIA-DLI and RC-12/2013/NIA-DLI’ related to a series of bomb blasts which took place at Patna Railway Junction and Gandhi Maidaan on 27 October 2013. Click here to read…

    NIA filed a charge-sheet against IS terrorist in ‘ISIS Delhi Amroha module’ case.

    On 26 October 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge-sheet in the Special NIA Court (Patiala House, Delhi) against an Islamic State (IS) terrorist— Mohammad Shahzad Kamal, under Section 121 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 17, 18, 39, and 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].
    The case was registered in 2018 against Mohammad Mufti Suhail and other operatives of Harkatul-Harb-e-Islam (HuHeI) — an Islamist organisation affiliated with IS. Click here to read…

    NIA officials arrested an IS terrorist from IGI Airport in Delhi

    On 23 October 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested Muhammad Tauqir Mahmood (33 years-old) upon his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi from Dammam in Saudi Arabia. Muhammad Tauqir was involved in sending few youths from Bengaluru to Syria to join Islamic State (IS) during 2013-2014. As a dentist by profession, Tauqir was resident in Saudi Arabia in recent years.

    Further investigation has revealed that Tauqir, in association with other IS operatives, had raised funds, radicalised, and recruited Muslim youth of a ‘Quran Circle Group’ and allegedly sent them to Syria. Click here to read…

    CYBER, INFORMATION WARFARE & AI (SECURITY PERSPECTIVE)

    Indian Army & Amity University to jointly set up a CoE in Engineering, Innovation, and Technology

    The Army Training Command (ARTRAC) of Indian Army and the Amity University (Uttar Pradesh) inked the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly set up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for studies in Engineering, Innovation, and Technology, at the premises of the Amity University in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The CoE will focus on emerging areas of science and technology, including Information Warfare (IW), Wireless Communication, Robotics and Automation, Tracking and Surveillance, Supply Chain Management, and many other research areas in the larger domain of defence technology and management. Click here to read…

    VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 16-30 September 2021

    DEFENCE

    • External Affairs Minister’s meeting with State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China on the side lines of SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting.
    • Prime Minister virtually participates in 21st Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
    • Exercise Surya Kiran between Indian Army and Nepali Army.
    • 6th Edition of SCO Exercise Peaceful Mission.
    • Call between Raksha Mantri (RM) and US Secretary of Defence.
    • 3rd edition of Bilateral Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’.
    • Next Chief of the Air Staff.
    • MoD places supply order for 118 Main Battle Tanks (MBT).
    • Prime Minister’s participation in the Quad Leaders’ Summit.
    • Acquisition of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft.
    • Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) three-day visit to Oman.
    • Successful maiden flight test of Akash prime missile.
    • Centre dissolves Ordnance Factory Board.
    • Defence Acquisition Council approves proposals of value Rs.13,165 cr.

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    Canada
    • Canadian men arrested with bomb-making manuals and al-Qa’ida literature.
    Africa
    Somalia
    • At least eight people were killed in a suicide bomb attack in Mogadishu.
    Afghanistan
    • al-Qa’ida will regroup in Afghanistan, and may strike US in next two years, claimed DIA Director Lt Gen Berrier.
    • Taliban will be responsible if al-Qa’ida threatens the US from Afghanistan, warned US Secretary of State Blinken.
    • Islamic State claimed series of attacks on Taliban in Nangarhar province.
    Pakistan
    • Pakistan is home to 12 foreign terrorist organisations, claimed US’ CRS report.
    • TTP and al-Qa’ida terrorists have Pakistan ID cards, claimed Pakistan’s Senate report.

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    • Multiple locations in J&K were searched in Bathindi IED recovery case.
    • Police arrested four LeT terrorists from Bandipora.
    • NIA officials probed 10 people linked to JeI, J&K terror-funding case.
    Left-Wing Extremism
    • Anti-Maoist posters emerged in Cherla Mandal in Telangana.
    Islamic Extremism
    • Delhi Terror Module case: Surat, Mumbai, Patna were likely targets.
    Khalistan-inspired Extremismv
    • Punjab police cracked a pro-Khalistan module in Ludhiana.

    CYBER, INFORMATION WARFARE & AI (SECURITY PERSPECTIVE)

    • Android malware—GriftHorse stole millions after infecting 10 million phones.
    Defence
    External Affairs Minister’s meeting with State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China on the side lines of SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting.

    The two Ministers exchanged views on the current situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh as well as on global developments. EAM noted that since their last meeting on 14th July the two sides had made some progress in the resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh and had completed the disengagement in Gogra area. However there were still some outstanding issues that needed to be resolved.

    In this context EAM recalled that Foreign Minister Wang Yi had in their last meeting noted that the bilateral relations were at low ebb. Both sides had agreed that a prolongation of the existing situation was not in the interest of the either side as it was impacting the relationship in a negative manner. EAM therefore emphasized that the two sides should work towards early resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh while fully abiding by bilateral agreements and protocols. EAM underlined that it was necessary to ensure progress in resolution of remaining issues so as to restore peace and tranquility along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh noting that peace and tranquility in the border areas has been an essential basis for progress in the bilateral relations. In this regard, the Ministers agreed that military and diplomatic officials of the two sides should meet again and continue their discussions to resolve the remaining issues at the earliest.
    For more information: Click here to read…_

    Prime Minister virtually participates in 21st Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

    In his address, Prime Minister highlighted the problems caused by growing radicalisation and extremism in the broader SCO region, which runs counter to the history of the region as a bastion of moderate and progressive cultures and values.
    He noted that recent developments in Afghanistan could further exacerbate this trend towards extremism. He suggested that SCO could work on an agenda to promote moderation and scientific and rational thought, which would be especially relevant for the youth of the region.

    He also spoke about India’s experience of using digital technologies in its development programmes, and offered to share these open-source solutions with other SCO members. While speaking about the importance of building connectivity in the region, Prime Minister stressed that connectivity projects should be transparent, participatory and consultative, in order to promote mutual trust. The SCO Summit was followed by an Outreach session on Afghanistan between SCO and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO). Prime Minister participated in the outreach session through a video-message.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Exercise Surya Kiran between Indian Army and Nepali Army.

    The 15th Edition of Indo – Nepal Joint Military Training, Exercise Surya Kiran between Indian Army and Nepali Army commenced on 20 September 2021 at Pithoragarh (UK) till 03 October 2021. During this exercise, an Infantry Battalion from Indian Army and an equivalent strength from Nepali Army shared their experiences gained during the conduct of various counter-insurgency operations over a prolonged period in their respective countries.
    As part of the exercise, both the Armies familiarise themselves with each other’s weapons, equipment, tactics, techniques and procedures of operating in a counter-insurgency environment in mountainous terrain. Also, there were a series of Expert Academic Discussions on various subjects such as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, High Altitude Warfare, Jungle Warfare etc. The joint military training culminated with a gruelling 48 hours exercise to validate the performance of both the armies in counter-insurgency in mountainous terrain. Last edition of Exercise Surya Kiran was conducted in Nepal in 2019.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    6th Edition of SCO Exercise Peaceful Mission.

    The 6th Edition of Exercise PEACEFUL MISSION: 2021 of SCO Member States hosted by Russia at the Orenburg Region of South West Russia culminated on 24 September 2021. An Indian military contingent comprising of an all arms combined force of 200 personnel from Indian Army and Indian Air force is participating in the exercise. The twelve days long joint training involving Armed Forces of all Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states was organised with an aim to foster close relations between SCO member states and to enhance abilities of the military leaders to command multinational military contingents. In this joint multinational exercise which began on 14 September 2021, SCO member nations conducted joint training focusing on combating terrorism. All military contingents took part in the final joint exercise where-in multinational forces exhibited their tactical prowess, combat power and overwhelming dominance over terrorist groups. The validation phase of the Exercise was witnessed by all Chiefs’ of the General Staff of the SCO member states.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Call between Raksha Mantri (RM) and US Secretary of Defence.

    US Secretary of Defence Mr Lloyd Austin made a telephone call to Raksha Mantri on 20 September 2021. Both the leaders discussed bilateral and regional matters, including developments in Afghanistan. They discussed defence cooperation and looked forward to working closely.
    The Raksha Mantri and Secretary Austin also exchanged views about combating terrorism in the region. Both sides appreciated the mutual cooperation in the recent evacuation operations in Afghanistan and agreed to remain in regular contact in view of the evolving situation. Click here to read…

    3rd edition of Bilateral Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’.

    Indian Naval Ships arrived at Jakarta, Indonesia on 18 Sep 21 to participate in the 3rd edition of Bilateral Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’ with the Indonesian Navy scheduled off the approaches to Sunda Strait from 20 Sep to 22 Sep 21.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Next Chief of the Air Staff.

    Government has decided to appoint Air Marshal V R Chaudhari, PVSM, AVSM, VM, presently Vice Chief of Air Staff, as the next Chief of the Air Staff after the retirement of Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC on 30th September, 2021.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    MoD places supply order for 118 Main Battle Tanks (MBT).

    Ministry of Defence (MoD) placed an order with Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), Avadi, Chennai for supply of 118 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) Arjun Mk-1A for the Indian Army on September 23, 2021. The order, worth Rs 7,523 crore, will provide further boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative in defence sector.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Prime Minister’s participation in the Quad Leaders’ Summit.

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the first in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit in Washington D.C., USA on 24 September 2021, along with Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan, and President Joseph Biden of the United States of America. The Leaders had a very useful exchange of views which reinforced the shared interests, values and underlying principles in which the Quad framework was anchored.

    The Leaders shared their respective perspectives on Afghanistan and the regional situation in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. On Afghanistan, they agreed to deepen their cooperation in counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and called on the Taliban to abide by UN Security Council Resolution 2593. The Leaders denounced the use of terrorist proxies and emphasized the importance of denying any logistical, financial or military support to terrorist groups which could be used to launch or plan terror attacks, including cross-border attacks.

    The Quad Leaders took stock of progress made since their March 2021 Summit, especially the Covid-19 vaccine partnership. They welcomed Prime Minister’s announcement that India will start supply of India-made Covid 19 vaccines to the Indo-Pacific region with eight million doses, from October 2021. With the objective of normalising international travel and ensuring predictability, Prime Minster proposed common travel norms among countries and mutual recognition of vaccination certificates.

    The Leaders discussed affirmative actions towards climate change, decarbonization efforts in shipping and port operations, deployment of clean hydrogen technology, the need for responsible and resilient clean energy supply chains. In this context, Prime Minister proposed a Global Green Hydrogen coalition, given our respective strengths and capabilities. The Leaders also launched a Shipping Taskforce that will coordinate greening and decarbonizing the shipping value chain. Mumbai Port Trust will participate in this initiative along with ports from the other three Quad countries.

    The Leaders issued the Quad Principles on Technology Design, Development, Governance, and Use that will guide not only the region but the world toward responsible, open, high-standards innovation. To facilitate and strengthen people to people linkages, the Leaders announced a Fellowship program for 100 students per year to pursue Masters and Doctoral degrees in STEM fields in USA.

    A Quad Infrastructure Coordination Group was launched to share assessments of regional infrastructure needs and coordinate approaches, technical assistance and capacity-building efforts. The Leaders also setup a space cooperation working group to exchange satellite data for monitoring and adapting to climate change, disaster preparedness, and responding to challenges in shared domains.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Acquisition of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft.

    Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with M/s Airbus Defence and Space, Spain for acquisition of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force, on September 24, 2021. It is a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity that will replace the ageing Avro transport aircraft of IAF. The aircraft will give a major boost to tactical airlift capability of IAF, especially in the Northern and North-Eastern sector and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
    Out of 56, forty aircraft will be manufactured in India by TATA Consortium. All the deliveries will be completed within ten years of signing of the contract.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) three-day visit to Oman.

    The CNS is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser bin Mohsen Al-Rahbi, Commander of Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) in Muscat. During the visit, the CNS would also be interacting with senior hierarchy of Oman including Chief of Staff Sutan’s Armed Forces, Commander of Royal Army of Oman, Commander of Royal Air Force of Oman and Secretary General, MoD. He would also be visiting key defence installations. Both Navies have been participating in the biennial maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr since 1993. This exercise was last conducted in 2020, off Goa and the next edition is scheduled in 2022.
    The CNS also signed an MoU for exchange of White Shipping Information which would facilitate information exchange on merchant shipping traffic, through IFC-IOR, India and MSC, Oman and contribute to enhanced maritime safety and security in the region.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Successful maiden flight test of Akash prime missile.

    A new version of the Akash Missile – ‘Akash Prime’ was successfully flight tested from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha on 27 September 2021. In comparison to the existing Akash System, Akash Prime is equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for improved accuracy. Other improvements also ensure more reliable performance under low temperature environments at higher altitudes. Modified ground system of the existing Akash weapon system has been used for the current flight test.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Government of India dissolves Ordnance Factory Board.

    Government of India has decided to transfer, with effect from October 1, 2021, the management, control, operations and maintenance of these 41 production units and identified non-production units to seven government companies (wholly owned by the government of India). According to the newa, the name of the seven defence PSUs (also called DPSUs) are Munition India Limited, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited, Troop Comforts Limited, Yantra India Limited, India Optel Limited and Gliders India Limited.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approves proposals of value Rs.13,165 cr.

    The (DAC) in its meeting of
    accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Capital Acquisitions proposals for modernization and operational needs of the Indian Armed Forces amounting to approx. Rs.13,165cr. Of the total amount approved, procurement worth Rs. 11,486cr. (87%) is from the domestic sources. Key approvals include helicopters, guided munition and rocket ammunition. Looking into the need of the Indian Army for an Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Squadron, to improve its integral lift capability ensuring its operational preparedness, the DAC accorded approval of procurement of 25 ALH Mark III helicopters from M/s HAL under Buy Indian-IDDM at an approx. cost of
    Rs.3,850 cr. Giving boost to Indigenous Design and Development of ammunitions, DAC accorded approval for procurement of Terminally Guided Munition (TGM) and HEPF/RHE Rocket Ammunition under Buy(Indian-IDDM) category at an approx cost ofRs.4,962 cr. from domestic sources. Other proposals worth Rs. 4,353 cr. were also accorded AoN by the DAC.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    Canada
    Canadian men arrested with bomb-making manuals and al-Qa’ida literature.

    The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)’s Toronto O-INSET (Ontario Integrated National Security Enforcement Team), on 23 September 2021, arrested Kevin Omar Mohamed, who was on probation for a terrorism case. On his smartphone, Kevin Omar had downloaded al-Qa’ida literature, manuals on bombs and poisons, and an article justifying the killing of women and children, according to the allegations filed in the Court of law.
    “Mohamed’s phone contained a large amount of information that could be used to carry out a terrorist attack, including multiple bomb-making guides and extremist ideological material,” the O-INSET reports claimed.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Africa
    Somalia
    At least eight people were killed in a suicide bomb attack in Mogadishu.

    On 25 September 2021, at least eight people were killed in a suicide car bomb explosion at a street junction near the President’s Palace. Al-Qa’ida affiliated al-Shabaab claimed the responsibility of the attack. “At the crime scene, the number of casualties can be higher, since some of the injured and dead had been taken away by their relatives,” said police spokesperson— Abdifatah Aden Hassan.
    “A mujahid driving a suicide car bomb targeted the convoy of cars going into the (Presidential) Palace,” claimed al-Shabaab military operation spokesperson— Abdiasis Abu Musab.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Afghanistan
    al-Qa’ida will regroup in Afghanistan, and may strike US in next two years, claimed DIA Director Lt Gen Berrier.

    Speaking at an intelligence conference on 14 September 2021, the Director of the United States’ (US) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)— Lt Gen Scott Berrier said that “the current assessment probably, conservatively, is one to two years for al-Qa’ida to build some capability to at least threaten the homeland [US].”
    Agreeing to the claims made by Lt Gen Berrier, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)’s Deputy Director— David Cohen said that the intelligence agencies are already monitoring activities by al-Qa’ida regrouping in Afghanistan.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Taliban will be responsible if al-Qa’ida threatens the US from Afghanistan, warned US Secretary of State Blinken.

    Referring to the reports of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on al-Qa’ida’s regrouping in Afghanistan, the United States (US) Secretary of State— Anthony Blinken warned that if al-Qa’ida threatens the US from Afghanistan, the Taliban will be responsible for it.
    Despite Taliban’s commitment on not to allow anyone to threaten any country from Afghanistan soil, the US will not rely on such commitment.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Islamic State claimed series of attacks on Taliban in Nangarhar province.

    On 19 September 2021, the Islamic State’s (IS) media arm— Amaq Agency claimed that more than 35 Taliban terrorists, were killed or injured in series of bombings on 18 and 19 September in Jalalabad city of Nangarhar province in Afghanistan.
    Both terror groups, IS and Taliban, subscribe to the violent interpretation of the Islam religion, but Taliban have goal to take control of Afghanistan; whereas IS and its affiliates in Afghanistan & elsewhere call for global jihad.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Pakistan
    Pakistan is home to 12 foreign terrorist organisations, claimed US’ CRS report.

    In a report released by an independent Congressional Research Service (CRS), the United States (US) officials identified Pakistan as a “home” or base of operations to at least 12 terrorist groups designated by the US as ‘Foreign Terrorist Organisations’ (FTOs), including five of them being India-centric such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).

    According to the report, these groups based and operating from Pakistan can be broadly categorised into five types— i) globally-oriented, ii) Afghanistan-oriented, iii) India, including Kashmir-oriented, iv) domestically-oriented, and v) Sectarian (anti-Shia). Pakistan has “continued to serve as a safe-haven for certain regionally focused terrorist groups,” and has “allowed groups targeting Afghanistan, as well as groups targeting India to operate from its territory,” CRS’s report quoted the US State Department’s Country Reports on Terrorism 2019.
    For more information: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-home-to-12-foreign-terrorist-organisations-crs-report/articleshow/86574100.cms” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

    TTP and al-Qa’ida terrorists have Pakistan ID cards, claimed Pakistan’s Senate report.

    According to a Senate report submitted by Senator Faisal Sabzwari of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)-Pakistan on 25 September 2021, several terrorists/operatives of the banned groups—Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), al-Qa’ida, and Afghan nationals have been found to be in possession of Pakistan’s National Identity cards.
    Around 50 to 60 per cent employees of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) in Karachi are involved in corruption. Al-Qa’ida operative Abdullah Baloch obtained ID cards from NADRA, more than once.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    Multiple locations in J&K were searched in Bathindi IED recovery case.

    On 21 September 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials, with assistance of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) police and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) personnel, carried out searches at eight locations in Anantnag, Baramulla, Kulgam, Srinagar, Doda and Kishtwar districts of J&K in connection with Bathindi IED (Improvised Explosive Device) recovery case.

    The case is related to recovery of 5 kilograms of IED from a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist in Bathindi in Jammu district, J&K. Investigation revealed LeT’s conspiracy to use the IED in blasts in Jammu. During the searches, many digital devices, and other incriminating material was recovered from the premises of the suspects.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Police arrested four LeT terrorists from Bandipora.

    On 23 September 2021, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police cracked a terrorist module and arrested four Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists from Hajin area of Bandipora district. On Twitter, Bandipora police tweeted- “Terror-cum-recruitment model of Lashkar-e Taiba busted in Hajin, Bandipora. Four arrested. Case FIR registered; further investigation underway. More arrests expected.”
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA officials probed 10 people linked to JeI, J&K terror-funding case.

    The National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials, on 20 September 2021, probed 10 people closely associated with proscribed groups/organisation Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) terror-funding case. The senior office-bearers of the JeI were questioned over source and utilisation of funds, key players behind the group based in India and Pakistan. “JeI’s Kashmir chapter raised donations in India and abroad, ostensibly for charity, but diverted the funds raised to finance violence and secessionist activities,” according to the NIA.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Left-Wing Extremism
    Anti-Maoist posters emerged in Cherla Mandal in Telangana.

    On 17 September 2021, several pamphlets against the Maoist leadership appeared in villages in Cherla Mandal of the Bhadradri-Kothagudem in Telangana. The pamphlets were published in the name of Adivasi Sanghams accusing the Maoists of claiming innocent tribals’ lives by planting landmines and other explosives in the forests and near tribal habitations.
    The Adivasi Sanghams also printed images of cattle and people that died because of the hidden explosives set up by Maoists. Recently, an Adivasi youth died in a landmine explosion after he accidentally stepped on it.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Islamic Extremism
    Delhi Terror Module case: Surat, Mumbai, Patna were likely targets.

    The investigation in the “Delhi terror module case” revealed that Surat, Mumbai, and Patna were likely terror targets in coming months. The main accused—Zeeshan Qama, confirmed that Gujarat and Maharashtra were on their target and recce was done in two cities, Surat and Mumbai. The accused also informed that in Bihar, Mahatma Gandhi Setu (Bridge)—which connects Patna with neighbouring Hajipur was another possible target.
    “Zeeshan confirmed that he and other co-accused had visited Surat and also carried out recce of Mumbai. The conspiracy was to carry out blasts in the months of September and October,” said a senior police officer on the basis of anonymity. Zeeshan is a management degree holder (MBA) from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh and had travelled to Pakistan via Muscat for terror training in April 2021.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Khalistan-inspired Extremism
    Punjab police cracked a pro-Khalistan module in Ludhiana.

    On 17 September 2021, Punjab police personnel cracked a module of the Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) and arrested three of its operatives— Gurwinder Singh, Jagwinder Singh, and Sukhdev Singh, after recovering 2.84 lakh pro-Khalistan pamphlets promoting ‘Referendum 2020’, from their possession during a raid in Rampur village in Khanna, Ludhiana district.
    The SFJ was banned by the Government of India in July 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A] for their involvement in promoting secession, including Sikh Referendum 2020, and terrorist activities in Punjab.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    CYBER, INFORMATION WARFARE & AI (SECURITY PERSPECTIVE)

    Android malware—GriftHorse stole millions after infecting 10 million phones.

    A new Android-based malware—GriftHorse has infected more than 10 million Android devices from over 70 countries, and likely to stole hundreds of millions from its victims by tricking them into subscribing to paid services with their consent. Once installed on a victim’s phone, these malicious apps gained access to the mobile phone number and used it to present their victims with prize and gift alerts that trick the unsuspecting victims to subscribe to premium SMS (Short Message Service) that charged more than €30/ ₹2500 per month to their phone bills.
    The Grift Horse malware campaign, active for approx. five months (November 2020-April 2021), was discovered by Zimperium Lab’s researchers. The malware was delivered through over 200 Trojan Android applications delivered through Google’s Play Store, and other third-party app stores.
    For more information: Click here to read…