How are terrorists designated under the UAPA? | Explained
The Indian government recently designated 23 individuals as terrorists under the UAPA, bringing the total number of designated terrorists to 80. This explainer details the legal history of the UAPA and the government's rationale for targeting individuals rather than just organizations.
Why it matters
Understanding the UAPA is critical for analyzing India's national security policy and the legal mechanisms used to combat terrorism.
The story so far: On July 4, 2026 the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) designated 23 individuals as “terrorists” under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967. A Bengaluru techie is among the six Indians and 17 Pakistanis who were designated “terrorists” and the individuals who are no longer in India are accused of roles ranging from recruitment, training, infiltration and logistics support to financing, arms supply, drone-based weapons delivery and planning or facilitating terror attacks in India. The list of total designated terrorists now stands at 80.
The article provides a neutral, historical, and legal explanation of government policy without taking a stance on the effectiveness or morality of the law.
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