New Delhi/Srinagar: The National Investigation Agency on Thursday conducted searches at 19 locations as part of a probe into a conspiracy by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed to radicalise youths and spread terror in India, officials said.
The searches were being conducted in three states, including Uttar Pradesh, and in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the raids began early in the morning, in Anantnag’s Bamboo Mattan area, Kreeri in Baramulla, and Khansahib in Budgam.
The operations involved the deployment of NIA personnel to uncover evidence and track individuals suspected of aiding the JeM’s activities.
The NIA’s probe focuses on a network allegedly established by JeM to recruit and radicalise youth in India. Investigators are also examining how funds and logistical support are funneled to sleeper cells within the country.
This is not the first time the NIA has intensified its operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Post Article 370, the agency has ramped up its actions in Jammu and Kashmir. The crackdown includes probing narco-terrorism, terror funding, and cross-border smuggling networks.
In October, the NIA conducted similar searches in connection with terror financing and arrested several individuals linked to banned organisations.
The agency has also targeted Over Ground Workers (OGWs) who provide logistical support, shelter, and resources to active militants.
The NIA’s operations in Jammu and Kashmir received support from the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Some of the cases that were initially investigated were transferred to NIA for advanced investigations including those of terror funding and narco-terror.
Further details about Thursday’s searches and any potential arrests or recoveries are awaited. The NIA operations in Jammu and Kashmir have unearthed links of cross border and international networks involved in narco-terror. These operations have helped stem the flow of narcotics into Kashmir.