New Delhi, Sept. 16 -- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday declared the Pakistan-backed Shahzad Bhatti network (SBN) a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

"The group is involved in smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics across borders, apart from inciting youths and petty criminals into terrorism. Targeting India's democratic structure and the fabric of communal harmony, the syndicate also published hateful digital content," the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

A gazette notification issued in this regard by MHA said, "Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) is an organisation whose objective is to involve gullible youth and local criminals to smuggle arms, explosives, and narcotic...