The Itanagar Police have detained Nazir Ahmad Malik and Sabir Ahmed Mir, two residents of Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir, for allegedly engaging in espionage for Pakistani operatives. The arrests occurred on November 21 after police received credible intelligence regarding their involvement. Nazir was the first to be apprehended in Ganga village, and based on his disclosures, Sabir was subsequently arrested in Abotani Colony.
Sources indicate that the pair was involved in relaying sensitive information regarding Indian Army movements and critical military installations in Arunachal Pradesh to their Pakistani handlers via a Telegram channel. They had been travelling to Arunachal Pradesh on a regular basis, ostensibly for the purpose of selling clothes, and had ventured into forward positions such as Kibitho, Anini, and Tezu, where they allegedly collected highly sensitive information.
In his interrogation, Nazir reportedly revealed that Sabir had recruited him for espionage activities in exchange for monetary compensation. During their operation, Nazir amassed substantial information, including photographs and videos of key military sites, which he communicated to their handlers. The duo had established ongoing communication throughout their spying activities.
Arriving in Arunachal Pradesh in April of the same year, they commenced their covert information-gathering missions, adhering to directives from their handlers regarding which details to procure, which districts to traverse, and which security entities to surveil. Notably, Sabir initiated contact with a Pakistani handler through Telegram.
As the investigation broadens, police suggest the likelihood of additional arrests. A senior police official commented on the seriousness of the case, emphasizing that this is merely the beginning of the investigation and solicited public cooperation. The state police are collaborating with various agencies, including those from other states, as the inquiry progresses.
