Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, May 30: The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) unit of the Jammu and Kashmir Police today carried out coordinated raids at multiple locations across the Valley in connection with an ongoing terror-linked investigation.
Click here to watch video
The raids were mostly carried out against those who misused social media for alleged terror funding. Some of the social media users whose houses were raided are: Abdul Rashid Najar c/o of Ghulam Mohammad Najar of Drangbal, Pampore in Pulwama; Ghulam Ahmad Bhat c/o Ali Mohammad Bhat of Larve Green Colony Laro, Pulwama; Sunain Sajad Mir s/o Sajad Ahmad Mir of Drangbal Pampore in district Pulwama, Nisar Ahmad Bhat c/o Ali Mohammad Bhat of Saidpora in district Shopian; Gousia Nabi c/o Ghulam Nabi Ganie of 101, Sather Gund Kakapora, Pulwama and Akash Mushtaq s/o Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh of Arigam in district Pulwama.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
The raids were conducted early in the morning and it took hours for the police that was assisted by the CRPF.
An official said that the seized material will undergo technical analysis, and any leads that emerge will form the basis for the next phase of the investigation.
An official statement said that suspicious technical signatures were traced during the investigation at various locations in Budgam, Pulwama, Kupwara, Shopian and Srinagar districts. The suspects were reportedly using encrypted messaging applications.
“Further analysis revealed that several individuals were using a specific encrypted messaging app commonly employed by terrorists and handlers across the border to coordinate and execute various terror-related activities, including recruitment,” the statement said.
“The searches were conducted while maintaining complete secrecy to ensure the element of surprise. During the raids, incriminating material—including SIM cards, mobile phones, tablets, and other digital devices—was recovered and seized”, he added.
The statement said that the searches were conducted after obtaining warrants from the Court of Special Judge designated under the NIA Act in Srinagar, in connection with FIR No. 07/2023 under sections 13, 18, 38, 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, read with section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code.
“This operation aims to uncover crucial evidence, prevent the misuse of communication devices, and dismantle the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory,” the statement said.
“It also seeks to identify terrorist associates and Over Ground Workers (OGWs) involved in abetting terrorism and to ensure legal action as per the law.”
“Post the Pahalgam terror attack, the police have intensified actions against supporters of militants in Kashmir. The police’s cyber wing has also stepped up its monitoring of elements using social media to spread information of content against the security and sovereignty of India,” the statement read.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
