Pakistani National Captured in J&K Identified as Terrorist Guide, Interrogation Underway

Jammu and Kashmir (The Uttam Hindu) : A Pakistani national attempting to infiltrate into India near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s border districts of Poonch and Rajouri has been arrested by Indian Army officials. The arrested individual, identified as Mohammed Arif, is believed to be a terrorist guide aiding militants, officials confirmed on Monday, June 30, 2025.

Arif was leading a group of four terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) into Indian territory when alert Indian Army troops overpowered and captured him on the afternoon of Sunday, June 29. The other four terrorists escaped by jumping off a steep cliff, returning to the Pakistani side with injuries.

The arrest took place near the forward Hajura post in the Gambhir area under the Army’s Ace of Spades division. Troops, maintaining vigilant surveillance in the challenging mountainous terrain, detected suspicious movement indicating an infiltration attempt. While Arif, in his late twenties and a resident of Datote village in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), was tactfully apprehended, the militants fled to ‘No Man’s Land’ and retreated back across the border under cover of dense foliage and unfavorable weather conditions.

The Indian Army did not open fire due to the close proximity of Pakistani posts. However, drone footage revealed a blood trail in the area, confirming the militants sustained injuries during their escape. During interrogation, Arif disclosed that he was familiar with the local topography and was working under directives from the Pakistani Army to guide militants across the border. He was found in possession of a mobile phone and approximately ₹20,000 in Pakistani currency.

Officials stated that Arif is undergoing detailed questioning, and crucial intelligence is being gathered to further strengthen India’s counter-infiltration efforts along the LoC. This successful operation highlights the Indian Army’s high level of operational readiness and its firm commitment to securing national borders. Authorities reiterated their resolve to prevent any attempts by hostile forces to disrupt peace and stability in the region.