India arrests over 200 terror operatives linked to Pakistan ahead of Independence Day

Indian security forces have apprehended over 200 terror operatives allegedly linked to Pakistan, as part of a large-scale operation conducted ahead of the country's Independence Day. Home Minister Amit Shah revealed on Monday that this multi-state operation, targeting a militant group backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), took place across 14 Indian states on August 12. The arrests were made just three days prior to India's 80th anniversary of independence from British colonial rule.

Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesperson has yet to comment on the matter. However, Pakistan has previously dismissed claims that it supports militant groups responsible for attacks within India. In a statement on X/Twitter, Shah claimed that the Modi government had dismantled the Shahzad Bhatti Network and thwarted plans for subversive attacks.

During the operation, security agencies recovered various weapons, including pistols, live cartridges, grenades bearing markings from the Pakistan Ordnance Factory, and crude bombs. This significant crackdown highlights the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed nations that have frequently clashed over terrorism allegations and territorial disputes. Just last year, India accused Pakistani attackers of the killing of 26 men at a tourist site in Indian-administered Kashmir.