Assam Police’s Special Task Force (STF) continued its crackdown under ‘Operation Praghat’ by arresting two more members of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), a Bangladesh-based terror outfit linked to al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Special Director General of Police (STF) Harmeet Singh confirmed the arrests from Namapara in Kokrajhar district, further disrupting sleeper cells operating in the region.
“These arrests have dealt a significant blow to the jihadi network attempting to destabilize the region and engage in subversive activities,” Singh told reporters. The suspects, Abdul Zaher Sheikh and Sabbir Mirdha, were linked to the same terror module that had previously been active in Assam, West Bengal, and Kerala.
Interrogations of Sheikh and Mirdha led the police to a hideout where a large stock of arms, ammunition, and explosives was stored. The recoveries included four handmade rifles resembling AK-series assault rifles, 34 live bullets, 24 blank cartridges, a pair of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a crude grenade, detonators, and other explosive materials.
“This seizure is yet another indication of the terror group’s intent to carry out large-scale attacks, targeting key community leaders and disrupting peace in the region,” said Harmeet Singh.
The STF’s ‘Operation Praghat,’ launched in November, aims to dismantle terror modules operating across India, with evidence pointing to handlers operating from Pakistan and Bangladesh. The operation was initiated following detailed intelligence inputs regarding the activities of a group led by Md Farhan Israk, a close associate of Jasimuddin Rahmani, another key figure linked to global jihadist activities.
The eight ABT operatives arrested last week in Assam, West Bengal, and Kerala were found to be working to establish sleeper cells across different regions of India. Their targets reportedly included prominent leaders from the Hindu community, as well as leaders linked to the RSS and BJP.
“The threat from these terror groups remains high, and we will continue to ensure strict action against those involved in such subversive activities,” Singh added.