Four women among six arrested in Bandipora over alleged separatist network

Four women figure among six persons arrested by Bandipora Police in an alleged clandestine network linked to the banned Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen, with investigators probing suspected efforts to spread separatist ideology and organise propaganda-related activities.

The police investigation has so far indicated suspected links to a Pakistan-based handler, covert meetings and possible financial transactions, officials said. Investigators are also scrutinising alleged prison-based connections and communication channels to determine how the network operated and whether more people were involved.

Police said today that the investigation is examining the suspected role of a handler based in Pakistan, alleged covert meetings, possible funding channels and the use of prison-linked contacts to coordinate activities. A case has been registered under FIR No. 168/2026 under Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at Police Station Bandipora.

Bandipora Police claimed to have dismantled an alleged clandestine network linked to the banned organisation Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen, with investigators probing suspected efforts to promote separatist ideology, coordinate activities through prison-linked contacts and mobilise women for propaganda-related activities. Four women are among the six arrested in this connection.

The arrested people have been identified as Mubeena Bano, Waheed Ahmad Bhat, Kushboo Jan, Mehak Jan, Aliya Jan and Irfan Ahmed Reshi.

The police are investigating the alleged role of the arrested individuals, the suspected communication channels, possible funding arrangements and the extent of the network’s activities.

Further investigation is underway to establish the complete chain of alleged connections and determine whether additional persons were involved, Police said.