Bandipora, Oct 24: Police have arrested six people in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district over their alleged association with the banned organisation Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen, as investigators probe suspected separatist activities, alleged funding from Pakistan and links reportedly maintained during imprisonment, officials said on Saturday.
A case has been registered at Police Station Bandipora under Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), bearing FIR No. 168/2026.
The investigation reportedly started with Waheed Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Handwara in Kupwara district, who was previously arrested under the UAPA in connection with a conference held in 2022. While lodged at Kupwara Jail, he allegedly renewed contact with a Pakistan-based handler identified as Manzoor Ahmad Shah, officials said.
According to the officials, the alleged network later held meetings to promote its ideology and mobilise support, with women also suspected of participating in its propagation activities.
Following Bhat’s release on medical grounds in August 2024, between 14 and 15 secret meetings were allegedly conducted in Bandipora and surrounding areas. Five to six of these gatherings were reportedly held at a small hotel on the Bandipora-Baramulla route.
Police have also identified suspected financial transactions linked to the alleged network. Officials said an estimated Rs 7–8 lakh may have been transferred to the group over a period exceeding one year.
Of this amount, approximately Rs 2.26 lakh was allegedly deposited into the Jammu and Kashmir Bank account of Mubeena Banoo, a resident of Dachigam in Bandipora. The remaining funds were reportedly delivered through cash couriers. Some money was allegedly distributed among associates, while a portion was used to cover Bhat’s medical expenses, officials said
The six arrested persons have been identified as Mubeena Banoo, Waheed Ahmad Bhat, Kushboo Jan, Mehak Jan, Aliya Jan and Irfan Ahmed Reshi, alias Rayees.
Officials said the investigation had also brought a religious cleric and two suspected couriers from Kupwara under scrutiny. Their alleged roles and the financial trail are being examined as police work to establish the network’s reach, funding sources and the involvement of each suspect.
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