*Police bust banned organisation module in Bandipora, six arrested* *‘Probe points to suspected Pakistan funding; role of cleric, two couriers under scanner’*
Bandipora, Oct 24 Bandipora Police on Saturday said they had busted a module linked to the banned organisation Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen and arrested six persons.
They said a case involving suspected separatist propaganda, prison-based contacts and alleged funding from Pakistan had been registered.
An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a case under FIR No. 168/2026 had been registered under Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at Police Station Bandipora.
He said the probe began with Waheed Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Handwara in Kupwara district.
“Bhat was earlier arrested in a UAPA case in Kupwara following a conference held in 2022. During his incarceration at Kupwara Jail, he allegedly re-established contact with a Pakistan-based handler identified as Manzoor Ahmad Shah,” he said.
The official said that, with the help of another inmate, the alleged network subsequently focused on spreading its ideology and holding meetings to garner support, with women allegedly involved in propagation activities.
He said that after Bhat was released on medical grounds in August 2024, around 14 to 15 secret meetings were held in Bandipora and nearby areas. Of these, five to six meetings were allegedly held at a small hotel on the Bandipora-Baramulla route.
He said police had also traced suspected financial transactions during the investigation. According to the official, around Rs 7–8 lakh is suspected to have been sent to the alleged module over more than a year.
“Of the total amount, around Rs 2.26 lakh was allegedly credited to the J&K Bank account of Mubeena Banoo of Dachigam, Bandipora, while the rest was allegedly sent through cash couriers. A part of the funds was allegedly distributed among associates, while a portion was used for Bhat’s medical treatment,” he said.
The official added that the six persons arrested so far had been identified as Mubeena Banoo, Waheed Ahmad Bhat, Kushboo Jan, Mehak Jan, Aliya Jan and Irfan Ahmed Reshi, alias Rayees.
“The role of some more persons, including a religious cleric and two alleged couriers from Kupwara, has surfaced during the investigation. Their alleged involvement and financial trail are being verified,” he said, adding that further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the alleged network, its funding channels and the role of each person allegedly involved.—(KNO)
