VIF News Digest : National Security - Defence Studies & Terrorism, (16 - 30 September 2023)
Anurag Sharma, Associate Fellow, VIF

Defence

  1. Visit of INS Sharda to Mauritius.
  2. INS Nireekshak visits Trincomalee for Joint Dive Training.
  3. INCGS Samudra Prahari on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries.
  4. Interaction of US delegation with iDEX team.
  5. Meeting of India-Malaysia Joint Sub-Committee on Defence Science, Technology & Industry Cooperation.
  6. Indian Army and United States Army Hosted Indo- Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC).
  7. Indian Army Contingent participates in ADMM plus EWG on Counter Terrorism Field Training Exercise 2023 In Russia.
  8. INS Sahyadri Participates in maiden India-Indonesia-Australia Trilateral Maritime Exercise.
  9. Visit of Chief of the Naval Staff to USA.
  10. Exercise Yudh Abhyas-23 Commences in Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
  11. Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) 2023.

International Terrorism

Pakistan

  1. At least 53 people killed in suicide blast in Mastung, Baluchistan.
  2. Taliban Interim Foreign Minister says 200 ‘terrorists’ arrested after Chitral attack.

Domestic Terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir

  1. NIA raids locations of OGWs in Poonch in connection with “Dhangri Attack” case.
  2. Police arrest five LeT terrorists from Kulgam.

Left-Wing Extremism

  1. Police arrest a Maoist leader in Andhra Pradesh.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

  1. NIA chargesheets a ‘self-radicalised’ operative in “Kozhikode train arson’ case in Kerala.
  2. NIA raids 31 locations in Tamil Nadu and Telangana to thwart IS-inspired recruitment drive.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

  1. Police file case against pro-Khalistan terrorist Pannun for issuing threats ahead of ICC World Cup.

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) Cases

  1. NIA files supplementary chargesheet against four operatives in “Thane Fake Currency” case.

Defence

Visit of INS Sharda to Mauritius.

INS Sharda, Indian Navy's Offshore Patrol Vessel visited Port Louis, Mauritius from 13 – 15 Sep 23. Prior entering Port Louis as also after departure, the ship undertook joint EEZ surveillance with Mauritius National Coast Guard (MNCG).Click here to read…

INS Nireekshak visits Trincomalee for Joint Dive Training.

INS Nireekshak, the Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel of the Indian Navy visited the port of Trincomalee Sri Lanka from 14 – 21 Sep 23 to undertake IN-SLN joint dive training. During the visit, the diving teams of both the Navies participated in diving exercises towards enhancing interoperability, cohesiveness and exchange of Best Practices.Click here to read…

INCGS Samudra Prahari on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries.

The Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari, a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, is currently on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries from 11 Sep to 14 Oct 23. This deployment is part of India's ASEAN initiatives for Marine Pollution Response, showcasing the Pollution Response capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and its commitment to addressing marine pollution issues and enhancing capacity in the region. The ship is equipped with a Chetak helicopter in Pollution Response configuration, enhancing its capabilities in this area. This initiative was announced by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh during the ASEAN Defence Minister Meeting Plus meeting in Cambodia in November 2022.Click here to read…

Interaction of US delegation with iDEX team.

AUS delegation, led by Under Secretary (Research & Engineering), Department of Defence Ms Heidi Shyu, met a team of Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO) under Ministry of Defence at IIT Delhi on 18 Sep 23.A showcase of select iDEX winners and defence innovation start-ups with cutting-edge dual-use technologies was organised. Deep-tech innovations including on information security & cyber security, AI/Machine Learning-based imaging, maritime technologies, wireless communication, space technologies and advanced sensors were showcased.Click here to read…

Meeting of India-Malaysia Joint Sub-Committee on Defence Science, Technology & Industry Cooperation.

The 10thmeeting of India-Malaysia Joint Sub-Committee on Defence Science, Technology and Industry Cooperation was held in New Delhi on September 18, 2023. The meeting was co-chaired by Joint Secretary (Naval Systems), Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence Shri Rajeev Prakash and Under Secretary, Defence Industry Division, Ministry of Defence, Malaysia Mr Eris Jemadi bin Tajudin.Click here to read…

Indian Army and United States Army Hosted Indo- Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC).

The Indian Army and United States Army hosted the Indo- Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC), Indo- Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS) and Senior Enlisted Leaders Forum (SELF). This was a three-day conference in New Delhi from 25 – 27 Sep 23 and witnessed participation from 30 countries. 18 countries were represented by Chiefs of their respective Armies and 12 countries were represented by Heads of Delegations. The event provided an opportunity for the delegates to exchange ideas and views on security and other contemporary issues of mutual interest, with core efforts directed to promote ‘Peace and Stability’ in the Indo-Pacific region.Click here to read…

Indian Army Contingent participates in ADMM plus EWG on Counter Terrorism Field Training Exercise 2023 In Russia.

An Indian Army Contingent consisting of 32 personnel from a Battalion affiliated to the RAJPUTANA RIFLES participated in the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Plus Expert Working Group (EWG) on Counter Terrorism Field Training Exercise (FTX) 2023 conducted from 25 – 30 Sep 23 in Russia. It was a multinational joint military exercise being hosted by Russia as a co-chair of the EWG along with Myanmar. It was preceded by a Table Top Exercise of the ADMM Plus EWG on Counter Terrorism at Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar from 02 – 04 Aug 23.Click here to read…

INS Sahyadri Participates in maiden India-Indonesia-Australia Trilateral Maritime Exercise.

INS Sahyadri, mission deployed in Indo-Pacific, participated in the maiden trilateral Maritime Partnership Exercise with the ships and aircraft from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Indonesian Navy from 20 - 21 Sep 23. The trilateral exercise provided an opportunity for the three maritime nations to strengthen their partnership and improve their collective capability to support a stable, peaceful and secure Indo-Pacific region. 20 Jan 23.Click here to read…

Visit of Chief of the Naval Staff to USA.

Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) attended the 25th International Seapower Symposium (ISS) in the United States from 19 - 22 Sep 23. The ISS is conducted by the US Navy at US Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island and provides an opportunity to engage with the friendly foreign countries towards a shared vision of enhancing maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The CNS also held bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the ISS with his counterparts from various countries including the USA, Australia, Egypt, Fiji, Israel, Italy Japan, Kenya, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Singapore & UK. associate members.Click here to read…

Exercise Yudh Abhyas-23 Commences in Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

The 19thedition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas is being conducted from 25 Sep – 08 Oct 23 in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA. It is an annual exercise conducted jointly by the Indian Army and the United States Army. The previous edition of the Exercise was conducted in Auli, Uttarakhand, India in November 2022. An Indian Army contingent comprising of 350 personnel is participating in this edition of the Exercise.Click here to read…

Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) 2023.

Indian Naval Ships Ranvijay, Kavaratti, submarine Sindhukesari and a long-range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I participated in the 30th edition of Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) held in Singapore from 21 – 28 Sep 23. The Sea Phase of SIMBEX 23 was conducted from 25 – 28 Sep 23, wherein units of Indian Navy alongwith RSS Stalwart, Valour, Tenacious, a submarine, Maritime Patrol Aircraft Fokker F-50 and fighter aircraft engaged in complex maritime security exercises including advanced anti-submarine warfare, surface and air defence exercises, as well as tactical manoeuvres and weapon firings.Click here to read…

International Terrorism

Pakistan

At least 53 people killed in suicide blast in Mastung, Baluchistan.

On 29 September 2023, at least 53 people were killed and over dozens were injured in a suicide bombing in Mastung district in Baluchistan. Speaking to the Dawn, Dr Saeed Mirwani, CEO of a hospital said that “over 100 wounded persons were brought to the hospital of which those in critical condition were referred to hospitals in Quetta.” “The bomber detonated himself near the vehicle of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). The blast took place near the mosque where people were gathered for a celebration to mark birthday of prophet Mohammad, which is a public holiday,” said Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Munir Ahmed. “The suicide bomber reached the site by foot and waited for the arrivals of clerics who were leading the celebrations and blew up his vest after their arrival,” said a senior official of the local administration. No terror group had claimed responsibility for the attack. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) registered a case against unidentified people. However, in a media statement, Baluchistan Inspector General of Police (IGP)— Abdul Khalique Sheikh said that “some groups were active in Mastung earlier and operations are underway to counter them. The banned Daesh (Islamic State) terror group had previously claimed responsibility for similar attacks in past.”Click here to read…

Taliban Interim Foreign Minister says 200 ‘terrorists’ arrested after Chitral attack.

Addressing a press conference on 28 Sep 23, Pakistan’s Interim Foreign Minister— Jalil Abbas Jilani informed that “our delegation visited Kabul and they were informed that Afghan Taliban arrested around 200 terrorists of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), following the Chitral cross-border terror attacks.” On question about the possible extradition of TTP terrorists, the Interim Minister replied that Pakistan want Afghan Taliban to proceed against terrorists according to the law. However, there was no official confirmation or statement issued by the Taliban about the development.Click here to read…

Domestic Terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA raids locations of OGWs in Poonch in connection with “Dhangri Attack” case.

On 30 Sep 23, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out searches at premises of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)’s Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) in Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The raids were in connection with the LeT conspired attack in Dhangri village of Rajouri district in January 2023. Five civilians were killed in the attack. The NIA officials raided five locations across Gursai village of Mendhar tehsil, Poonch district. Several digital devices and incriminating documents were seized during the searches.Click here to read…

Police arrest five LeT terrorists from Kulgam.

On 24 Sep 23, Kulgam police arrested five Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)’s “hybrid” terrorists— i) Aadil Hussain Wani, ii) Suhail Ahmad Dar, iii) Aitmad Ahmed Laway, iv) Mehraj Ahmad Lone, and v) Sabzar Ahmad Khaar, and cracked two modules during a counter-terrorism (CT) operation.Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism

Police arrest a Maoist leader in Andhra Pradesh.

On 23 Sep 23, Chintoor police arrested MadakamUnga aka Ungal, native of Palodu village in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh, from the forest region of Lankapalli in Alluri Sithamara Raju (ASR) district, Andhra Pradesh. In a press conference, the ASR district’s Superintendent of Police (SP)— Tuhin Sinha informed that Unga had joined the Maoist party in 2007. Since 2017, he had been staying in Chintoor sub-division in Andhra Pradesh, Charla area in Telangana, and in other parts of Chhattisgarh. Unga was involved in 37 criminal incidents in three states, including a number of ambushes in Sukma district.Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA chargesheets a ‘self-radicalised’ operative in “Kozhikode train arson’ case in Kerala.

On 29 Sep 23, the NIA filed a chargesheet against Sharukh aka Sharukh Saifi (a self-radicalised) in connection with “Kozhikode train arson” case, in which three passengers, including a child, were killed and nine others were injured. The chargesheet has been filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], Railways Act, and Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act. As per chargesheet, on 02 Apr 23, Sharukh set ablaze the D1 Coach of Alappuzha-Kannur Executive Express train. He also had thrown and sprinkle petrol on the passengers and set bogey on fire with intention to kill people.Click here to read…

NIA raids 31 locations in Tamil Nadu and Telangana to thwart IS-inspired recruitment drive.

On 16 Sep 23, the NIA raided 31 locations in Tamil Nadu and Telangana as part of crackdown on Islamic State (IS)-inspired radicalisation and recruitment campaign. During the raids, the NIA seized several digital devices and incriminating documents, along with foreign currency. The agency searched premises of operatives in Tamil Nadu “IS radicalisation and recruitment” case— RC-01/2023/NIA/CHE, and raided 22 locations in Coimbatore, 03 in Chennai, and 01 in Kadaiyanallur on Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu. Another 05 locations were searched in Hyderabad/Cyberabad, Telangana.Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

Police file case against pro-Khalistan terrorist Pannun for issuing threats ahead of ICC World Cup.

In a pre-recorded audio message, Sikh For Justice (SFJ) founder and pro-Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, issued threats on social media channels to disrupt the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. In his audio message, Pannun said that “it will not be the start of the World Cup Cricket, but this will be the beginning of the World Terror Cup. We are going to take revenge for [shaheed] Nijjar’s assassination.” A First Information Report (FIR) was filed against Pannun on grounds of making threats and spreading animosity ahead of the scheduled ICC World Cup 2023 cricket match between Bharat and Pakistan. Pannun was issued non-bailable arrest warrants by the Special NIA (National Investigation Agency) Court on 03 February 2021, and he was declared a "Proclaimed Offender (PO)" on 29 Novemb22.Click here to read…

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) Cases

NIA files supplementary chargesheet against four operatives in “Thane Fake Currency” case.

On 27 Sep 23, the NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet against four operatives, including a designated terrorist, in connection with “thane fake currency” case. The NIA filed chargesheet against i) Riyaz Shikilkar, ii) Mohammad Fayaaz Shikilikar, iii) Nasir Chaudhari, and iv) Uncle aka Javed Patel, a designated terrorist, under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A]. In April 2022, Thane police recovered 149 high quality Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) of the denomination of ₹ 2,000 from Riyaz Shikilkar. In May 2023, NIA arrested Fayaaz for possession of illegal arms and discovered that Fayaaz was in contact with “Uncle”, a designated terrorist.Click here to read…

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