Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has welcomed Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s announcement of a nationwide crackdown on the alleged Shahzad Bhatti Network, calling the operation a major breakthrough in India’s fight against terrorism.
Shah had said security forces arrested more than 200 operatives linked to the alleged network ahead of Independence Day and foiled plans for subversive attacks. The Union government has described the network as an ISI-backed terror network.
In a post on X, Shah said coordinated operations were carried out by security forces across 14 states as part of the nationwide action. The operations resulted in the arrest of more than 200 alleged operatives and the recovery of a range of materials, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), grenades, pistols and live cartridges.
Security agencies also recovered surveillance equipment, including CCTV cameras, which were allegedly being used for espionage, according to Shah.
The Home Minister said the action was aimed at preventing the network from carrying out its plans before Independence Day. The coordinated nature of the operations involved security agencies working across several states to identify and arrest people allegedly associated with the network.
Reacting to Shah’s announcement on Monday, Sarma described the development as a significant achievement in the country’s efforts to counter terrorism. He said security forces had dealt a serious blow to the alleged network and prevented a potential threat.
Sarma also pointed out that Assam had recently arrested two operatives allegedly linked to the larger network.
“This is a BIG breakthrough in India’s fight against terror,” Sarma said in his post on X.
The Assam Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah for what he described as their decisive approach towards terrorism. He said the government’s actions reflected a firm response to attempts to threaten national security.
Sarma said the crackdown had dealt “a body blow” to the Shahzad Bhatti Network and helped prevent what he described as an impending threat.
He further praised the security forces for their coordinated operations and said the arrests and recoveries demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led action and close coordination among agencies in dealing with organised terror networks.
The recoveries reported during the operations included grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, along with firearms, ammunition, IEDs and surveillance equipment. The findings are expected to remain part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged network and its activities across different parts of the country.
Sarma, while praising the Centre’s action, said India was continuing to take a firm position against attempts to carry out terror-related activities on its soil. He also said the government was committed to preventing what he called “nefarious design of the enemy”.
The nationwide arrests came ahead of Independence Day, when security agencies traditionally maintain heightened vigilance across the country. The latest operation, according to the Union Home Minister, was aimed at disrupting the alleged network before it could execute its plans.
