NIA Court Frames Charges Against 7 in Pakistan-Backed Drone-Arms Terror Conspiracy

Jammu, Sept 11: The Special Judge NIA Court, Jammu, Sandeep Gandotra, has framed charges against seven accused, including Faisal Muneer of Jammu, in the sensational Pakistan-backed drone-arms terror conspiracy case.

Two-Year Probe Exposes Terror Network

The charges come after a two-year-long probe into cross-border smuggling of weapons and explosives through drones, allegedly orchestrated by Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and its shadow group The Resistance Front (TRF). The case began when police in Kathua intercepted a hexacopter drone on May 29, 2022, carrying sticky bombs, grenades, and ammunition.

Investigations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) revealed a well-organized terror syndicate along the International Border tasked with collecting drone consignments and supplying them to militants across Jammu & Kashmir.

Main Conspirators Identified

According to NIA findings, Faisal Muneer acted as the main conduit, accused of receiving 70–80 pistols, 40–50 grenades, 30–40 sticky bombs, and several AK rifles from Pakistani handlers and delivering them across J&K.

• Habib, Mian Suhail & Rashid – coordinated drone drop zones, transported arms, and concealed caches in Kathua and Jammu.
• Suhail Mushtaq Waza & Suhail Qadir Khanday – charged with arranging funds, recruiting OGWs, and distributing weapons in Kashmir.
• Zakir Hussain @ Sonu – accused of providing logistical support.

Pakistan Connection & Sajjad Gul’s Role

Raids led to the recovery of a huge cache of arms, silencers, grenades, explosives, and cash. The network has also been linked to Sajjad Gul alias Hamza, a Pakistan-based terrorist designated by the Government of India and wanted in the 2018 killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari. Gul allegedly coordinated drone drops and recruited Over Ground Workers (OGWs).

Court Proceedings

The case was argued by SPP Advocate S.K. Bhat for the NIA. The defense included Advocate Zulkar Nain Sheikh (for Faisal Muneer, Habib, Mian Suhail, Rashid, Zakir Hussain) and Advocate Adil Pandit (for Suhail Mushtaq Waza and Suhail Qadir Khanday).

The court has ordered trial under the following provisions:

• IPC: Sections 120-B, 121-A, 122
• UAPA: Sections 16, 17, 18, 20, 23, 38, 39, 40
• Arms Act
• Explosive Substances Act

This case highlights the increasing use of drones by Pakistan-backed groups to push arms and explosives into Indian territory, posing fresh challenges for security forces.

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Source: Daily Excelsior (Read original)

Labels: NIA, Drone-Arms Case, Terror Conspiracy, Jammu, Lashkar-e-Toiba

Tags: #NIA #DroneCase #Jammu #LeT #TRF #DailyExcelsior

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