Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab Police bust LeT terror module, 2 arrested in Malerkotla

New Delhi: In a significant breakthrough following the 2025 Pahalgam attack, Jammu and Kashmir Police and Punjab Police have busted a Pakistan-controlled terror module and detained two Pakistani nationals from Malerkotla in Punjab, allegedly owing allegiance to the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), sources told ET.

The duo, identified as Abu Huraira and Usman, had been living in India posing as Indian nationals and had obtained identity documents such as Aadhaar cards from Rajasthan. They had been in India for the past few months, officials added.

Investigations by police and intelligence agencies are underway. However, sources said, the two are senior LeT operatives and are believed to have carried out reconnaissance of several targets, including public places and vital installations. It is believed that the two were also running a recruitment cell.


A LeT operative from Pakistan, going by alias Huraira, has been active in Kashmir for more than 15 years. The J&K Police did not confirm his arrest or provide details of the operation. However, central agencies confirmed the detention, informing that another senior LeT operative was arrested along with him, sources added.

According to officials, Huraira was one of the senior-most LeT operatives in Kashmir and was mainly in charge of handling infiltrators, assigning them areas of operation as well as allocating tasks.

It may be recalled that the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir was carried out by LeT's proxy, The Resistance Front, in which 26 civilians were killed. Security forces later carried out 'Operation Mahadev' to eliminate terrorists belonging to TRF who were responsible for a spate of attacks on civilians and forces in J&K, including an attack on a bus carrying pilgrims for the Amarnath Yatra. NIA is investigating the case and has arrested several individuals for providing shelter and logistical support to Pakistani militants.