Who is the Kashmir man arrested for providing logistics to terrorists in the Pahalgam attack?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, Jammu and Kashmir Police have apprehended Mohammad Yousuf Katari, who is accused of aiding terrorists involved in the deadly Pahalgam attack. This breakthrough raises questions about the extent of local support for terror activities and the challenges faced by security forces in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Mohammad Yousuf Katari arrested for logistical support to terrorists.
- Operation Mahadev was crucial in neutralizing threats.
- Links between The Resistance Front and Lashkar-e-Taiba revealed.
- International funding trails under investigation by the NIA.
- Importance of dismantling local support networks emphasized.
New Delhi/Srinagar, Sep 24 (NationPress) In a significant development, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have apprehended an individual accused of supplying logistical assistance to the terrorists implicated in the April 22 Pahalgam attack. The suspect has been named as Mohammad Yousuf Katari.
The arrest was made after a forensic examination of weapons and materials recovered during Operation Mahadev, which took place in July.
During this operation, security forces tracked down and eliminated three terrorists responsible for the deaths of 26 individuals in Pahalgam.
Katari is identified as a significant operative of Lashkar-e-Taiba’s proxy group, The Resistance Front. Hailing from Kulgam district, he was summoned for questioning two days prior to his arrest.
Investigations revealed that he had been providing logistical aid to a terrorist who was neutralized in the Dachigam forest during Operation Mahadev.
The Srinagar Police confirmed the arrest of an overground worker (OWG) from South Kashmir, Mohammad Yousuf Katari.
His involvement included providing logistical support to the terrorists eliminated in Operation Mahadev. He has been remanded to 14 days in police custody.
Officials noted that he held a contractual job and also instructed local children. He reportedly made contact with terrorists a few months ago and began supporting their activities.
Katari is believed to have assisted the terrorists in navigating through the forests of Kulgam months before the Pahalgam attack on April 22.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is also probing this case, arrested two men in June for allegedly sheltering the terrorists responsible for the attack.
Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar from Hill Park, Pahalgam, identified the three terrorists involved in the incident.
They reportedly provided food and shelter to the attackers. The NIA also detained a resident of Handwara and questioned him regarding the funding related to this attack.
The agency is reviewing 450 phone numbers, including those linked to 80 cases being investigated since 2011.
It has come to light that one Yasir Hayat was in contact with a suspected handler based in Malaysia, Sajad Ahmed Mir, along with two accomplices from Pakistan.
Hayat was directed by Mir to transfer funds amounting to Rs 2 lakh to Shafat Wani. During a trip to Malaysia, Hayat was in touch with two individuals from Pakistan.
Overall, Wani is reported to have received a total of Rs 9 lakh utilized for financing terror activities.
The NIA stated that it has uncovered an international funding trail, currently under investigation. This probe reveals a complex network of foreign financing linked to accounts in Malaysia.
Funds were being funneled to The Resistance Front, which executed the attack. Indian Intelligence Agencies, alongside the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the NIA, are working to compile a comprehensive dossier on this group.
This dossier will encompass details regarding funding, radicalization, training, and recruitment into the terrorist organization. The Resistance Front serves merely as a proxy for Lashkar-e-Taiba, established by the ISI to create the illusion that the conflict in Kashmir is being fought by locals.
The ISI seeks deniability for Pakistan and Lashkar-e-Taiba whenever The Resistance Front carries out attacks on Indian territory.
The dossier being prepared by the agencies is vital for dismantling the terror funding routes connecting Pakistan to these activities. India aims to hold Pakistan accountable at the Financial Action Task Force and aspires for the country to return to the Grey List, similar to its status a few years ago.
Point of View
It is essential to remain unbiased while presenting the facts. The arrest of Mohammad Yousuf Katari signifies a critical step in the fight against terrorism in Kashmir. It highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in dismantling networks that support terrorist activities. Our commitment remains to provide transparent coverage on such issues, ensuring that the public remains informed.
NationPress
24/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for Mohammad Yousuf Katari's arrest?
Mohammad Yousuf Katari was arrested for allegedly providing logistical support to terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people.
What is Operation Mahadev?
Operation Mahadev was a security operation conducted in July, where three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack were tracked down and neutralized.
How is The Resistance Front related to Lashkar-e-Taiba?
The Resistance Front is a proxy group for Lashkar-e-Taiba, created to give the impression that local individuals are fighting in the Kashmir conflict.
What is the role of the National Investigation Agency in this case?
The NIA is conducting an investigation into the Pahalgam attack and has arrested individuals for harboring terrorists, as well as examining funding sources related to the incident.
What impact does this arrest have on terrorism in Kashmir?
The arrest of Katari may help disrupt local support networks for terrorism and enhance efforts to combat terror financing and recruitment in the region.
