DEFENCE

• Defence budget allocation 2021-2022.
• BEL to showcase about 30 products/systems developed as part of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ during Aero India 2021.
• NDC course commences with increased officers participation from foreign countries.
• IAF'S Indigenisation Thrust in Maintenance of Aircraft Fleet.
• Inauguration of Aero-India 2021.
• Chiefs of Air Staff (CAS) Conclave at Bengaluru to Promote Defence Cooperation.
• Contract for 83 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
• Release DRDO Documents & Procedures.
• Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Defence Ministers’ Conclave.
• Request for Proposal for 70 HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft from Indian Air Force.
• HAL LUH (Army Variant) receives Initial Operational Clearance.
• MoD and BEL sign contract for procurement of Software Defined Radio.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh’s statement in Rajya Sabha on ‘Present Situation in Eastern Ladakh
• Factual position on Pangong Tso.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

• Somalia
• Nine people killed in a hotel attack in Mogadishu.

• Nigeria
• 81 Boko Haram terrorists eliminated in CT operations in Borno, says Nigerian Army.

Afghanistan

• “Taliban maintains close ties to al-Qaeda,” says Afghanistan’s MoFA.
• Eight people were killed in multiple terrorist attacks in Kabul and Herat Province.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• NIA files supplementary charge-sheet in 2019 Banihal attack case.
• NIA conducted raids in Punjab in HM narco-terror case.
• JeM OGW arrested from Delhi airport.
• LeM chief arrested from Jammu.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Maoist commander killed in Chhattisgarh.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• NIA files charge-sheet against six people in Khalistan flag hoisting case.
• Punjab-UP police arrested a Khalistan terrorist from Uttar Pradesh.

Islamic Extremism

• IS-KP’s new leader heads terrorist activities in the Indian Subcontinent, claims UN report.
• India highlights Pakistan’s link with al-Qaeda and Islamic State in South Asia at the UNSC.
• ED files charge-sheet against members of PFI and its student wing.
• JMB chief sentenced to 29 years imprisonment in 2014 Burdwan blast case.

Defence

Defence budget allocation 2021-2022.

Union Budget for the Financial Year 2021-22, presented on February 01, 2021 has allocated Rs 4,78,195.62 crore for the Financial Year 2021-22. Excluding Defence Pension, the total allocations for Defence Services and other organisations/Departments under Ministry of Defence for the FY 2021-22 is Rs 3,62,345.62 crore which is an increase of Rs 24,792.62 crore over the Current FY 2020-21. The allocation under capital expenditure which relates to modernisation and infrastructure development of Armed Forces is Rs 1,35,060.72 crore for FY 2021-22.Allocation under Non-Salary Revenue to meet operational requirement is Rs 54,624.67 crore. The Capital allocation for DRDO has been increased to Rs 11,375.50 crore. The allocation for Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is Rs 6004.08 crore.

BEL showcase of about 30 products/systems

The products and systems displayed were clustered as ‘Airborne & Space Application’, ‘Satellite and Space Application’, ‘Products and Systems for Self-Reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat)’, ‘High Performance Computing & Artificial Intelligence Systems’, ‘Land and Naval Products and Systems’, ‘Communication and Laser based Products ’, ‘Non-Defence/Diversification and Outdoor Display Products’.Airborne Missile Electronics, Receivers for EW Systems and many others such as 2KW Fuel Cell, FO Gyro based Sensor Packaged Unit, Athermal Laser Transmitter, IR Jammer, Call Manager & Media Gateway, C-Band Tropo Power Amplifier and IR Seekers Missiles. Other Innovative Solutions and Artificial Intelligence Systems on display were in the area of High Performance Computing & Artificial Intelligence Systems will include RRO (Software based solution), Secure Video Conferencing Solution, Generic Networking System, Imagery Solution for Defence and civilian application, Automatic Train Supervision System for DMRC and Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Center besides others.

BEL showcased its Land and Naval Products and Systems comprising QRSAM Radars (BFMR and BSR), BFSR-XR AESA, DDR (FMCW), Coastal Surveillance System, GBMES, Single Combat Vehicle (QRSAM), Weapon Control System, etc.

BEL displayed Communication and Laser based products including MODEM for Troposcatter Communication System, Encryptors, Frequency Modulated Continuous- Wave (FMCW) Radar for Fog Vision and Drone Guard systems for Railways, 4G Secure Phone and 5G Tablet PC, High Power Fiber Laser, Li Fi High Speed Communication System and Software Defined Radio under Communication and Electro Optics segments.

NDC course commences with increased officers participation from foreign countries

The 61st course of National Defence College (NDC) commenced on February 01, 2021 with 110 participants, an increase of 10 participants from the last course. The majority of the increased seats have been allocated to officers from friendly foreign countries. The officers from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Philippines and Maldives are participating after a considerable gap of time. The participants from the friendly countries are representatives of the country’s regional as well as international diplomacy wherein NDC has accommodated participants from all continents except South America. However, there was a course participant from South America (Brazil) in the last NDC course.

Inauguration of Aero-India 2021

The Inaugural ceremony for Aero India 2021, Asia’s largest Aerospace and Defence Exhibition held at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru was done on February 03, 2021. This year Aero India 2021 was organised in hybrid mode with a concurrent virtual exhibition to encourage maximum participation. Opening the proceedings Secretary (Defence Production) expressed his gratitude to ambassadors and delegates from more than 55 nations who were in attendance. He also provided a brief about the events to be organized during Aero India 2021, including the Chief of Air Staffs Conclave, the Bandhan ceremony and the India Pavilion.

Speaking on Aero India 2021 Shri Rajnath Singh said the exhibition displayed the vast potential and the multifarious opportunities that our country offers in the field of defence and aerospace sector. He added that it promises to be the world’s first ever hybrid aero &defence exhibition with a concurrent virtual exhibition making it a truly digital and global event.

Raksha Mantri appreciated the growing optimism of the global community, reflected in the participation of over 540 exhibitors including 80 foreign companies and defence ministers, delegates, service chiefs and officials from more than 55 nations. He highlighted that the unique opportunity in defence and aerospace manufacturing that India offers through a “Sangam” of rising demand, greater innovation, conducive policies and maturing ecosystem in the sector. RM also announced that the government plans to spend 130 billion dollars on military modernisation over the next seven years. He expressed happiness at the organisation of the first Indian Ocean Region’s Defence Ministers’ Conclave with the theme “Enhanced peace, Security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region” in this edition of Aero India. He said that this was an implementation of the concept of the Indian Ocean built around Security and Growth for All (SAGAR), visualised during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indian Ocean Island states in 2015.
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Chiefs of Air Staff (CAS) Conclave at Bengaluru to Promote Defence Cooperation

Indian Air Force hosted a two day Global Chiefs’ of Air Staff Conclave themed 'Leveraging Aerospace Power for Security and Stability'. Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria outlined the significance of CAS conclave in enabling exchange of ideas & enhancement of multilateral cooperation between the participating Air Forces. He reiterated the role of Air Power as a crucial enabler for ensuring peace, stability & security in the region. The Conclave was organised in a hybrid format to obviate restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and was attended by close to 50 countries. Between 03 & 04 Feb, Chiefs/ Commanders of Air Forces of 28 countries joined the Conclave. The Conclave was conceived for exchange of ideas and best practices on themes of contemporary relevance in the aerospace domain. Countries participated from across continents with Air Forces from the Americas, Europe, Middle East, West Asia, Central Asian republics, South East Asia, Africa, Indian Ocean region and the Indo Pacific.

The three sessions of the CAS Conclave provided a forum to discuss important issues with respect to aerospace strategy, emerging technologies impacting the battle space and issues pertaining to security and stability of the Global Commons. These sessions were planned to address themes of “Disruptive Technologies and Innovations”, “Air Power in the Indo-Pacific Region” and “Air Power and Aerospace Strategy”.

Contract for 83 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas

The Contract for 83 Light Combat Aircraft Tejas was handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The Cabinet Committee on Security under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had approved procurement of 73 LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircrafts and 10 LCA Tejas Mk-1 Trainer aircrafts at a cost of Rs. 45,696 Cr along with Design & Development and Infrastructure sanctions worth Rs. 1,202 Cr on 13th January, 2021. The contract is valued at close to Rs. 48,000 crores. This is the largest ever Defence contract for indigenous manufacture till date. This significant step provides great impetus to indigenous fighter aircraft capability of the nation. A stellar display of Tejas platform was made today in Aero India 2021 in the presence of large number of international and national participants.

The deliveries of all 83 aircraft shall be completed in 8 years from now. HAL will be delivering the first 3 aircraft in the 3rd year and 16 aircrafts per year for subsequent 5 years. On 2nd February Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the second production facility (Plant II) to augment the production capacity and ensure timely supply of aircraft to IAF. The induction of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk-1A in Indian Air Force will enhance operational capabilities and improve the aircraft strength.

Release DRDO Documents & Procedures

The RM released the Export Compendium of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) which consists of defence systems and platforms, which can be exported to friendly countries at Aero-India 2021 on the inaugural day.

A major revision of Design, Development & Production of Military Airborne Stores (DDPMAS) document has also been released. DDPMAS document is followed by the aeronautics fraternity for design, development, production and certification of airborne systems. The new airworthiness framework emphasizes on Aatma Nirbhar Bharat for self-reliance, empowering the organisations and industries with liberal certification procedures. The document released by the certification agency CEMILAC would enable Defence PSUs, MSMEs and R&D Establishments to develop and deliver world class products to our Defence Services.

Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Defence Ministers’ Conclave

The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Defence Ministers’ Conclave began with a keynote address from Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on 4th February on the sidelines of Aero India 2021 in Bengaluru. Outlining the agenda, Raksha Mantri said that as the largest nation in the IOR region with a vast coast line of 7500 Kms, India has an active role to play for peaceful and prosperous co-existence of all countries. The RM stressed that the Indian Ocean is a shared asset and a lifeline to international trade and transport due to its control of major sea-lanes carrying half of the world’s container ships, one third of the world’s bulk cargo traffic and two thirds of the world’s oil shipments. He said that SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region is the theme of Indian Ocean Policy as outlined by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2015. He added that in line with this the IOR conclave should focus on security, commerce, connectivity, fight against terrorism and inter cultural exchanges. Raksha Mantri identified areas such as deepening economic and security cooperation in the littorals, enhancing capacities to safeguard land and maritime territories, working towards sustainable regional development, Blue Economy, including sustainable and regulated fishing, and promoting collective action to deal with non-traditional threats like natural disasters, piracy, terrorism, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing etc. as inter-related elements of SAGAR. He said IOR faces a number of challenges such as piracy, smuggling of drugs/people and arms, humanitarian and disaster relief, and Search & Rescue (SAR) which can be met through maritime co-operation.

The RM identified maritime resources as the key to sustained growth and development of IOR nations in the 21st century. He said that the negative impact of conflicting claims in some maritime areas of the world highlighted the need to ensure peace in the IOR region. He added that IOR countries have demonstrated mutual respect for a rules-based order and commitment to abide by international law. RM spoke of the various policy initiatives of the government to promote trade and tourism among IOR countries through sea link Sagarmala, Project Mausam, and Asia Africa Growth Corridor etc. He emphasized the need to take economic, trade, naval cooperation and collaboration further in the region. He said that the linked futures of IOR countries depend on how they tackle emerging challenges and leverage opportunities. Referring to India’s growing Aerospace & Defence sector and its emergence as a global R&D hub with one of the world’s largest start up ecosystems, Raksha Mantri said IOR countries can leverage these sectors for mutual benefit. He said the recent order from the Indian Air Force to buy 83 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a milestone in India’s indigenization of defence manufacturing capabilities. Shri Rajnath Singh added that India is ready to supply various types of weapons systems to IOR countries. Shri Rajnath Singh said that in consonance with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR, Neighbourhood First and Act East Policies, India has adopted a cooperative approach through capacity building assistance in partner countries. This was reflected in India’s supply of Indian made ships, maritime aircraft and setting-up of Coastal Surveillance Radar Systems, he said.

Raksha Mantri said India was developing a comprehensive Maritime Domain Awareness picture in the IOR, which has resulted in signing of Technical Agreements for sharing of ‘White Shipping Information’. He added that Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Non-combatant Evacuation (NEO), and Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations are important.
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Request for Proposal for 70 HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft from Indian Air Force

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) received a Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Indian Air Force for their Basic Trainers requirement at the Aero India 2021 in Bengaluru on February 04, 2021. The RFP is for 70 HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft with provision for 38 more. The RFP has come within six years from the first flight of HAL which is the shortest time-line in aircraft industry. The trainer will have more than 60 percent indigenous content.

HAL LUH (Army Variant) receives Initial Operational Clearance

The Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) received the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for the Indian Army from Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) in the presence of the RM at Air Force Station Yehalanka, Bengaluru on February 05, 2021. The LUH is a three-ton class new generation single engine helicopter indigenously designed and developed by Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre of HAL with features suitable for operations in the diverse operating conditions unique to India. The LUH will replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah/Chetak helicopters operated by the Services.

MoD and BEL sign contract for procurement of Software Defined Radio

Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have signed a contract for procurement of Software Defined Radio Tactical (SDR-Tac) worth over Rs 1,000 crore in New Delhi on February 08, 2021. The delivery will take place within three years.
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Raksha Mantri’s statement in Rajya Sabha on ‘Present Situation in Eastern Ladakh

He apprised the House of certain important developments on the situation in North Ladakh. He stated ‘’The agreement that we have been able to reach with the Chinese side for disengagement in the Pangong lake area envisages that both sides will cease their forward deployments in a phased, coordinated and verified manner. The Chinese side will keep its troop presence in the North Bank area to east of Finger 8.Reciprocally, the Indian troops will be based at their permanent base at Dhan Singh Thapa Post near Finger 3. A similar action would be taken in the South Bank area by both sides. These are mutual and reciprocal steps and any structures that had been built by both sides since April 2020 in both North and South Bank area will be removed and the landforms will be restored. It has also been agreed to have a temporary moratorium on military activities by both sides in the North Bank, including patrolling to the traditional areas. Patrolling will be resumed only when both sides reach an agreement in diplomatic and military talks that would be held subsequently. The implementation of this agreement has started yesterday in the North and South Bank of the Pangong Lake. It will substantially restore the situation to that existing prior to commencement of the standoff last year.I want to assure this House that in these talks we have not conceded anything. The House should also know that there are still some outstanding issues with regard to deployment and patrolling at some other points along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. These will be the focus of further discussions with the Chinese side. We have agreed that both sides should achieve complete disengagement at the earliest and abide fully by the bilateral agreements and protocols. By now, the Chinese side is also fully aware of our resolve. It is therefore our expectation that the Chinese side will work with us in full sincerity to resolve these remaining issues.”
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INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

Nine people killed in a hotel attack in Mogadishu

On 31 January, al-Shabaab terrorists carried out a suicide car bombing, followed by an attack on Hotel Afrik in Mogadishu in Somalia. Nine people, including four terrorists were killed and 10 civilians were injured in the terrorist attack. On 01 February, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble said in a statement, “I condemned the barbaric attack. General Mohamed Nur Galal was among those killed in the terrorist attack, and he will be remembered for his over 50-year role in defending the country.”
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Nigeria

81 Boko Haram terrorists eliminated in CT operations in Borno, says Nigerian military

In a statement released on 15 February, the Nigerian military claimed to eliminate 81 Boko Haram terrorists in recent counter-terrorism (CT) operations in North-East Nigeria. The CT operations, named “Operation Lafiya Dole”, covered several villages in the Sambisa forest in the North-Eastern state of Borno. “The relentless troops destroyed the terrorists’ camps and recovered gun trucks and weapons as the air force aircraft continue to provide close air and interdiction support to the ground forces,” informed Commander of the operation—Farouk Yahaya.
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Afghanistan

“Taliban maintains close ties to al-Qaeda,” says Afghanistan’s MoFA

On 07 February, the Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) released a statement that despite Taliban’s claim it seeks to maintain peace in Afghanistan, the terror group still maintains close ties to the al-Qaeda, Islamic State (IS), and other terrorist groups. “The UN Security Council report also noted threats and coordination between the Pakistani Taliban, regional terrorist groups, and the Islamic Jihad group, a group of 100 militants that operate in Faryab and Kunduz provinces, in areas under the Taliban influence,” MoFA said in the statement.
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Eight people were killed in multiple terrorist attacks in Kabul and Herat Province

In a string of terrorist attacks, on 09 February, eight people were killed in Kabul and Herat province. In Kabul, unidentified terrorists opened fire in the Bagh-e-Daud neighbourhood and killed four employees of the Ministry of Rural Development. In a separate incident in Kabul, a government employee was injured in an explosion caused by a sticky bomb attached to his car.

In another incident in Herat Province on same day, four police officers were martyred when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Zenda Jan district. No group had claimed responsibility for the attacks.
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DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA files supplementary charge-sheet in 2019 Banihal attack case

On 13 February, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary charge-sheet against Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) commander Naveed Mushtaq Shah aka Naveed Babu aka Babur Azam in connection with 2019 Banihal attack case, before a Special Court in Jammu. On 30 March 2019, HM terrorist—Owais Amin tried to carry out Suicide-Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (SVBIED) attack targeting the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy at Banihal in Ramban district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). “Accused Naveed is an ex-constable of J&K Police. He had decamped with arms and ammunition in 2017, when he was posted as a guard in Food Corporation of India (FCI) in Budgam. After deserting the force, he joined Hizbul Mujahideen and became an active militant,” said the NIA Spokesperson.
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NIA conducted raids in Punjab in HM narco-terror case

On 04 February, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out searches at the premises of accused Manpreet Singh in Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts, in connection with probe of Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) narco-terror case. Manpreet Singh is a close associate of Ranjit Singh—an accused in the same case. During raids conducted, the official recovered ₹ 20 lacs (drugs proceeds), 130 live rounds of 9mm, mobile phones, pen drive, a bunch of polythene bags used for packing of heroin, a Hyundai Verna car, documents related to properties and other incriminating material from the house of the accused.
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JeM OGW arrested from Delhi airport

On 05 February, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police officials arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)’s Over-Ground Worker (OGW)—Munib Sofi, a resident of Anantnag district, from Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport in Delhi. Munib was deported from Qatar. Sofi was working for Pakistani terrorist Waleed Bhai who was killed in a gun-battle with security forces in Kulgam in 2020.
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LeM chief arrested from Jammu

In a joint operation, on 06 February, the Jammu and Anantnag police arrested a “self-styled” chief of Lashkar-e-Mustafa (LeM)—Hidayatullah Malik, from Kunjwani in Jammu. Police recovered a pistol and a grenade from his possession. LeM is a front organisation of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in the Kashmir Valley. “Acting on specific intelligence, a private vehicle was intercepted by police at Kunjwani bypass leading to the arrest of Malik. The terrorist attacked the police officer leading the team in an attempt to escape but was overpowered,” said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) [Jammu]—Shridhar Patil.
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Left-Wing Extremism

Maoist commander killed in Chhattisgarh

Security forces, on 06 February, killed Masa Muchaki (31 years-old)—senior Maoist commander in a gun-battle in the forested terrain of Surnaar and Tetam in Dantewada district in Chhattisgarh. “Masa was carrying a bounty of ₹ 1 lakh on his head. There were several crimes registered against him,” said Dantewada Superintendent of Police (SP)—Abhishek Pallava.
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Khalistan-inspired Extremism

NIA files charge-sheet against six people in 2020 Khalistan flag hoisting case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on 11 February, filed a charge-sheet against six people in connection with the case of hoisting Khalistan flag on the eve of Independence Day in Moga in 2020. Before a Special NIA Court in Mohali, the charge-sheet was filed against Inderjit Singh, Jaspal Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Jagwinder Singh, Pannu, and Harpreet Singh, under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], and the Prevention of Insult to National Honour Act. Inderjit Singh, Jaspal Singh, and Akashdeep Singh are members of the proscribed Khalistan sympathiser group—Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).
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Punjab-UP police arrested a Khalistan terrorist from Uttar Pradesh

In a joint operation by Punjab and Uttar Pradesh (UP) police, on 08 February, a Khalistan terrorist—Jagdev Singh aka Jagga, was arrested from Vikas Nagar area in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The accused is linked with other Khalistan terrorists—Paramjit Singh Pammah (currently living in the United Kingdom) and Maltani Singh (currently living in Germany). Both, Pammah and Maltani, are accused of carrying anti-India activities in Punjab and conspiring to promote terror to destabilise peace and harmony in the State.
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Islamic Extremism

IS-KP’s new leader heads terrorist activities in the Indian Subcontinent, claims UN report

According to the 12th report of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General on the threat posed by the ISIL (also known as ISIS or Daesh), the Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP)’s new leader—Shihab al-Muhajir, appointed in June 2020, heads terrorist operations in the Indian subcontinent (India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). The report also claimed Muhajir’s earlier affiliation with the Haqqani Network (HQN). Although IS-KP faces challenges in its ability to seize and hold area in Nangarhar and Kunar Province, it claimed responsibility for recent high-profile attacks, and expected to continue to target Kabul and provincial capitals in future terrorist attacks, read the report.
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India highlights Pakistan’s link with al-Qaeda and Islamic State in South Asia at the UNSC

At the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing on 12th report of the Secretary-General (SG) on the threat posed by the Islamic State (IS/ISIL/Daesh) to international peace and security, on 10 February, India pointed out Pakistan’s links with al-Qaeda, Islamic State (IS) and other terror groups. “We must not lose sight of the ease with which proscribed Haqqani Network (HQN) and its supporters, especially the Pakistani authorities, have worked along with prominent terrorist organisations such as al-Qaeda, ISIL, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and other terror groups in South Asia,” said India’s envoy to the UN—T S Tirumurti.
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JMB chief sentenced to 29 years imprisonment in 2014 Burdwan blast case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court-Kolkata, on 10 February, convicted and sentenced the head of Jamaat ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB)—Kausar aka Boma Mizan, to imprisonment for 29 years and fine of ₹ 35,000 for his involvement in 2014 Burdwan blast case. Kausar was sentenced u/s 120B and 125 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Sections 16, 18, and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], Section 25 (1B) of Arms Act and Section 14 of Foreigners Act 1946.

The investigation revealed a conspiracy by JMB to radicalise, recruit and provide training in arms and explosives to its operatives in India for committing terrorist acts and waging war against the Governments of India and Bangladesh. A large number of IEDs, explosives, hand grenades, training videos were recovered during the investigation of the case.
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ED files charge-sheet against members of PFI and its student wing

On 11 February, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a charge-sheet against five members of the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its student wing—Campus Front of India (CPI), in connection with money laundering case. Allegedly the part of the funds was used for “the continuous unlawful activities over time which included, but were not limited to, funding of anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) protests, inciting violence and fomenting trouble which led to Delhi riots in the month of February 2020; and in respect to the more specific incident investigated in this charge-sheet,” read the statement released by the ED.
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