New Delhi, September 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Central government on Wednesday declared the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), citing its alleged involvement in cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics, radicalisation and activities posing a threat to India’s internal security.
According to a government notification, the SBN allegedly seeks to involve vulnerable youth and local criminals in the smuggling of weapons, explosives and narcotics from across the border and use terrorist activities to threaten the country’s democratic system, communal harmony and internal security.
The notification said several criminal cases have been registered in different jurisdictions against individuals associated with the network in connection with alleged unlawful and terrorist activities, with provisions of various laws invoked in those cases.
The government also alleged that the network seeks to radicalise young people by offering inducements, encouraging them to participate in activities described as anti-national and mobilising resources in coordination with other banned organisations and designated entities.
The notification further accused the SBN of promoting terrorism through violent activities aimed at disrupting public order and using digital communication platforms to circulate provocative content.
“The Central Government believes that ‘Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN)’ is involved in terrorism and has participated in various acts of terrorism in India,” the notification stated.
Invoking powers under Section 35(1)(a) of the UAPA, 1967, the government amended the First Schedule of the Act to include the SBN in the list of designated terrorist organisations.
The organisation has been added as serial number 46 in the First Schedule. The Ministry of Home Affairs maintains the statutory list of organisations designated as terrorist organisations under Section 35 of the UAPA.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah linked the action to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stated policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism.
“Pursuing PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of zero tolerance against terror, the MHA declares the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organisation under the UAPA,” Shah said in a post on X.
He alleged that the group was involved in cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics and in inciting youth and petty criminals towards terrorism.
Shah also alleged that the network targeted India’s democratic structure and communal harmony and circulated hateful digital content.
The designation gives the government a legal framework under the UAPA to impose restrictions on the organisation and take further action against its activities and associated networks.
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