As the year draws to a close, authorities across India’s northern regions are intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks that threaten both national security and the safety of vulnerable residents. In two separate but equally significant crackdowns, police in Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh have acted decisively against alleged espionage activities and human trafficking, underscoring persistent challenges posed by cross-border threats and illicit trade in tourist hotspots.
In the remote northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, the local police force has widened its investigation into an alleged espionage ring with suspected links to Pakistan. According to PTI, the latest development came on December 18, 2025, when two men — Aijaz Ahmed Bhat and Bashir Ahmad Ganai, both hailing from Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir — were arrested in their home state. Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Chukhu Apa announced during a press briefing on Monday that the pair were subsequently transported to Arunachal Pradesh and are now in police custody.
"We were working based on credible information about a spy ring operating out of Arunachal Pradesh. Under the leadership of Itanagar SP Jummar Basar, the team worked diligently and made these arrests. Two have been arrested from Kupwara and three from different locations in the Itanagar Capital Region," Apa told reporters, as quoted by PTI. With these arrests, the total number of individuals apprehended on espionage charges by Arunachal Pradesh police has climbed to four within a single month.
The case first emerged on November 21, 2025, when Itanagar Police detained Nazir Ahmad Malik and Sabir Ahmed Mir, both residents of Kupwara, following specific intelligence inputs. Malik was picked up from Ganga village in Itanagar, while Mir was found later the same day in Abotani Colony, the state capital’s bustling neighborhood. Not long after, West Siang police apprehended Hilal Ahmed, also from Kupwara, at a trade fair in Old Market, Aalo, where he ran a cloth outlet.
Adding a twist to the investigation, Changlang police had earlier detained Gulam Md Mir from Miao. However, after thorough questioning, he was released due to a lack of evidence tying him to the alleged spy network. The authorities appear to be moving carefully, balancing the urgency of national security with the need for due process. "We will proceed further based on evidence in the coming days. The arrested individuals are mostly blanket sellers who visited various parts of the state to collect information," Apa explained, highlighting the seemingly innocuous cover adopted by the suspects.
Interrogations and forensic examinations are ongoing, with police indicating that further action hinges on the results of these investigations. The IGP also expressed concern over what he described as lax verification practices among residents. He urged the public to remain vigilant and ensure police verification before allowing anyone to stay on their premises. "Public vigilance is crucial for security," he stressed, as reported by PTI.
While the espionage case in Arunachal Pradesh underscores the persistent threat of cross-border intelligence operations, a different but equally pressing challenge has surfaced in the popular tourist destination of Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Here, local police launched a targeted operation to combat immoral trafficking, leading to the arrest of five individuals and the rescue of four girls allegedly coerced into prostitution.
According to The Tribune, the crackdown took place during the night of December 21 to December 22, 2025, after the Kullu police received specific intelligence about illegal activities in the Manali area. Superintendent of Police Madan Lal Kaushal stated that the operation resulted in the apprehension of two men and three women. Among the arrested women, one is a local resident, while the other two hail from Punjab.
An FIR has been filed at the Manali police station under Sections 4 and 5 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The rescued girls have been provided immediate protection and are being presented before competent authorities in accordance with legal procedures. The police have also initiated steps for their rehabilitation and counseling.
"The rescued girls have been provided immediate protection and are being produced before the competent authorities as per the legal procedure. Further action is being taken to ensure their rehabilitation and counselling," Kaushal said, as quoted by The Tribune. He emphasized the police force’s commitment to maintaining the social fabric and dignity of Manali, a region known worldwide for its tourism and cultural values.
Kaushal also acknowledged that this was not an isolated incident. "We take these concerns seriously and have intensified surveillance, night patrolling and intelligence gathering to curb such activities," he explained, noting that similar rackets have been uncovered in the past, often linked to the seasonal influx of tourists. Local residents and social organizations have repeatedly voiced concerns about sporadic illegal activities, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
With the investigation ongoing, police are probing possible links to a larger trafficking network. Kaushal issued a stern warning: "Strict legal action would be taken against anyone found involved in immoral trafficking or related offences." He appealed to residents and hotel owners to stay alert and cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activities. "Our objective is zero tolerance towards crimes against women and to ensure that Manali remains a safe destination for tourists and residents alike," he asserted, as reported by The Tribune.
Both cases — one rooted in national security, the other in the fight against human trafficking — highlight the complex web of challenges facing law enforcement in India’s northern regions. The Arunachal espionage probe reveals how seemingly ordinary livelihoods, like blanket selling, can sometimes mask more sinister operations. Meanwhile, the Manali crackdown underscores the vulnerability of women and girls in areas where economic opportunity and tourism intersect, sometimes with devastating consequences.
As authorities in both states continue their investigations, the message to the public is clear: vigilance and cooperation are essential. Whether it’s ensuring proper verification of tenants or reporting suspicious activities in tourist areas, community involvement remains a critical line of defense. With the stakes so high — from national security to the safety of society’s most vulnerable — the importance of collective responsibility cannot be overstated.
For now, the police in Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh are pressing forward, determined to unravel the networks behind these crimes and to send a strong signal that such activities will not be tolerated. The coming weeks and months will likely reveal more about the extent of these operations, but for the communities affected, the hope is that swift action will bring both security and peace of mind.
