The Indian government’s declaration of Mohammad Qasim Gujjar, also known as Salman or Suleman, as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and safeguard national security. Qasim, a member of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), is presently residing in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where he is believed to be actively involved in planning and executing terrorist activities against India.
The decision to designate Qasim as a terrorist under the UAPA was announced by the Union Home Ministry on Thursday, March 7, through an official notification. According to the notification, Qasim, a 32-year-old permanent resident of Angrala in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), has been implicated in a range of terrorist activities aimed at destabilizing the region and causing harm to innocent civilians. These activities include coordinating and supplying weapons, identifying drone drop locations for arms and ammunition, managing consignments from across the Pakistan border, and orchestrating bomb blasts and terror attacks that have resulted in numerous casualties.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah condemned Qasim’s actions, emphasizing that individuals involved in activities against the unity and integrity of the nation will be dealt with severely. Shah’s statement underscores the government’s commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
The designation of Qasim as a terrorist under the UAPA grants the government broader legal powers to take action against him and disrupt his terrorist activities. The UAPA, enacted in 1967, empowers authorities to prevent certain unlawful activities, deal with terrorist acts, and address matters related to national security. By invoking this law, the government aims to effectively neutralize threats posed by individuals like Qasim who are affiliated with terrorist organizations like LeT and are actively engaged in anti-India activities.
Qasim’s involvement in recruiting and radicalizing individuals, particularly through social media and online communication platforms, underscores the evolving nature of terrorist tactics and the challenges faced in countering extremism in the digital age. His role in creating new terror modules and expanding the reach of terrorist activities highlights the need for comprehensive counterterrorism measures that address not only the immediate threats but also the underlying factors driving radicalization and recruitment.
This designation also serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and the need for sustained international pressure to hold state sponsors of terrorism accountable. Pakistan’s continued support for terrorist groups like LeT, despite repeated calls for action by the international community, underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to address this issue and prevent further destabilization of the region.
Qasim’s designation as a terrorist under the UAPA brings the total number of individuals designated under the anti-terror law to 57. This reflects the government’s commitment to identifying and targeting individuals involved in terrorist activities and disrupting the networks that enable their operations. It also sends a clear message to terrorist organizations and their supporters that India will not tolerate threats to its security and will take decisive action to protect its citizens.
The Indian government’s decision to designate Mohammad Qasim Gujjar as a terrorist under the UAPA underscores its determination to combat terrorism and safeguard national security. By taking decisive action against individuals like Qasim who pose a threat to the country’s stability and integrity, India reaffirms its commitment to protecting its citizens and combating extremism in all its forms.
