The Indian government has designated 23 individuals based in Pakistan as 'terrorists' under its anti-terrorism law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), according to the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency.

The order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs states that the individuals are linked to militant groups including Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The government amended the UAPA in August 2019 to allow designation of individuals as terrorists; previously only organizations could be designated.

Inclusion in the list enables the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to block their finances, impose an arms embargo, and seize their assets.

With the addition of 23 names, the list now includes 80 designated terrorists. According to the Hindustan Times, the new additions include three close aides of Hafiz Saeed, the founder of LeT accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed over 160 people.

The move is likely to further strain relations between India and Pakistan.

Source: www.dw.com