New Delhi — The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released a consolidated list of 36 persons who have been declared terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The most recent addition is Ashiq Ahmed Nengroo, a commander of the Pakistan‑based militant group Jaish‑e‑Muqaddas (JeM), according to the official notification published on the MHA website.
The list comprises individuals linked to a range of extremist outfits, including JeM, Lashkar‑e‑Taiba (LeT), and the Hizbul Mujahideen. Names on the list span senior operatives, financiers and logistical supporters. The notification, dated March 28, 2026, cites each person’s alleged involvement in terrorist activities such as planning and executing attacks against Indian security forces and civilians, fundraising for banned organisations, and facilitating cross‑border infiltration.
Ashiq Ahmed Nengroo’s inclusion follows a series of designations made earlier this year against JeM operatives. The MHA’s statement notes that Nengroo was “actively involved in planning terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir” and had “operational links with other JeM commanders.” No arrest warrant has been issued against him at this stage, but the designation enables the government to freeze his assets and restrict his movement under UAPA provisions.
The UAPA, a legislation first enacted in 1967 and amended several times, allows the government to declare individuals as terrorists without a criminal trial, a measure that has drawn criticism from civil‑rights groups for its potential impact on due‑process rights. Legal experts say the list’s publication is intended to bolster preventive security measures, especially ahead of the upcoming state elections in several northern states.
Analysis: The addition of a high‑ranking JeM commander underscores New Delhi’s focus on curbing cross‑border terrorism from Pakistan‑based groups. By expanding the list to 36 names, the MHA signals an intent to use the UAPA’s preventive powers more broadly, potentially affecting individuals who have not yet faced formal charges. Critics argue that such designations, while aimed at national security, risk being applied in a manner that limits legal recourse for those named. Monitoring how the list is used in subsequent investigations and prosecutions will be essential to assess whether the measure enhances security without undermining fundamental legal safeguards.
Sources
– “Full list of individuals designated as terrorist under the UAPA.” The Hindu, March 28, 2026. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/full-list-of-individuals-designated-as-terrorist-under-the-uapa/article65309875.ece
Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
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