Police in Itanagar have arrested two individuals suspected of operating as spies for Pakistani handlers, according to official reports. The arrests were made on November 21 following intelligence linking the duo to espionage activities within the state.
The Arrest and Suspect Identification
The suspects have been identified as Nazir Ahmad Malik and Sabir Ahmed Mir, both originally from Kupwara in Jammu & Kashmir.
The operation commenced after police received credible information regarding their alleged involvement. Nazir Ahmad Malik was initially detained in Ganga village. Based on information provided by him during questioning, Sabir Ahmed Mir was subsequently apprehended from Abotani Colony on the same day.
Sharing Sensitive Military Intelligence
Sources indicate that the two individuals were allegedly sharing critical information about Army movements and installations in Arunachal Pradesh with their Pakistani handlers via an encrypted Telegram channel.
The suspects reportedly had been frequent visitors to Arunachal Pradesh for several years, ostensibly traveling across districts to sell clothes. Disturbingly, their movements included visits to sensitive forward areas, such as Kibitho, Anini, and Tezu, where they are accused of gathering and transmitting sensitive intelligence.
Recruitment and Covert Operations
The investigation suggests a structured operation. During interrogation, Nazir Ahmad Malik reportedly told police that he was recruited into the spying network by Sabir Ahmed Mir in exchange for monetary compensation.
“Nazir collected a lot of information, including photographs and videos of vital military installations, and shared them with the handlers. He was in constant touch with Sabir throughout this period,” a source confirmed.
The duo arrived in the state in April of this year and began their covert activities. They are believed to have received continuous instructions from their handlers regarding the specific information to collect and which districts and security establishments to target. It is further alleged that Sabir Ahmed Mir was the first to establish contact with the Pakistani handler through the Telegram channel.
