Searches underway at 10 locations in J&K—Security forces close in on group trying to recruit terrorists

The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK), a specialised wing of J&K police, carried out raids at ten locations linked to suspects involved in a terror module accused of promoting terrorism and radicalisation to recruit individuals into terrorist ranks, according to ANI.

Previous raids

In September this year, the CIK unit of the Jammu and Kashmir Police carried out searches at several locations across the Kashmir Valley as part of an investigation into a terror-related case, a report by ANI noted. Police said searches were conducted at eight locations across seven districts — Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Kupwara, Handwara, Pulwama and Shopian.

A CIK official said that seven suspects were detained for questioning, and incriminating digital material relevant to the investigation was seized, a report by PTI said.

The case was registered based on credible information received by the CIK, which indicated that certain individuals in Jammu and Kashmir, under the guise of social activism, were "misusing" platforms related to mass media, social media, human rights, environment, and women empowerment for actions harmful to the sovereignty and security of the State, the official stated.

According to him, discreet intelligence suggested that these individuals had suspected links with secessionist groups and banned terrorist organisations.

He further noted that inputs revealed some of them were in contact with Pakistan-based terror handlers through encrypted messaging apps.

"They were found to be involved in spreading false narratives, radicalising youngsters and attempting to disturb public order and peace in Jammu and Kashmir," the official said, adding that the raids have "successfully disrupted a dangerous ecosystem" that was functioning under the pretense of social activism while advancing terror-related agendas, PTI reported.

Officials stated that the operations were carried out under a search warrant issued by a competent court in connection with an FIR registered at the CIK Police Station. The case was part of an ongoing investigation related to terrorism activities.

On July 19, the CIK unit conducted similar raids at ten locations across four districts in the Kashmir Valley, the officials mentioned. According to police, the searches were linked to a terror-crime investigation involving sleeper cells and a recruitment module operated by Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Abdullah Ghazi from across the border.

The raids were executed at one location in Pulwama, six in Ganderbal, one in Srinagar, and two in Budgam.