Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s announcement regarding a major crackdown on the alleged Shahzad Bhatti Network, described by the Union government as an ISI-backed terror network, calling the operation a “BIG breakthrough” in India’s fight against terrorism.
Shah, in a post on X, said the Narendra Modi government had dismantled the alleged terror network ahead of Independence Day and foiled plans for subversive attacks by arresting more than 200 operatives.
According to Shah, security forces conducted coordinated operations across 14 states, leading to the recovery of several items allegedly linked to terror and espionage activities. These included IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges and CCTV cameras.
Reacting to Shah’s announcement, Sarma said security forces had dealt a “body blow” to the alleged Shahzad Bhatti Network and prevented what he described as an impending threat.
The Assam Chief Minister also said that the state had recently arrested two operatives allegedly linked to the wider network.
“This is a BIG breakthrough in India’s fight against terror,” Sarma said in his post on X.
Sarma credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for what he described as their “decisive leadership” and “sharp uncompromising approach” towards terrorism.
He further said India was continuing efforts to dismantle what he called “every nefarious design of the enemy” and strengthen national security.
The Union government’s claims regarding the alleged network and the arrests are expected to be examined further as investigations into the wider conspiracy continue.
