The National Investigation Agency (NIA) recently conducted searches in the Kashmir Valley as part of a militant conspiracy case. The raids were carried out in three districts of south Kashmir, namely Anantnag, Shopian, and Pulwama. The operation aimed to crack down on newly-formed militant organizations that are believed to be offshoots of proscribed Pakistan-backed terrorist outfits operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the NIA, the raids targeted residential premises of hybrid terrorists and overground workers (OGWs) associated with these newly-formed groups. The agency seized several digital devices containing a significant amount of incriminating data during the searches.
Among the outfits under investigation are The Resistance Front (TRF), United Liberation Front Jammu and Kashmir (ULFJ&K), Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind (MGH), Jammu and Kashmir Freedom Fighters (JKFF), Kashmir Tigers, PAAF, and others. The NIA has also raided the premises of alleged sympathizers and cadres of these organizations.
The NIA suspects the involvement of these individuals and groups in various activities, including the collection and distribution of sticky bombs, magnetic bombs, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), funds, narcotic substances, and arms and ammunition. The agency has registered the case, known as ‘J&K terror conspiracy’ (RC-05/2022/NIA/JMU), and it relates to a physical and online conspiracy by the banned terror organizations to carry out a series of violent terrorist attacks in J&K using sticky bombs, IEDs, and small arms.
The NIA’s investigations have revealed that the Pakistan-backed outfits are also involved in radicalizing local youth and mobilizing overground workers to disrupt peace and communal harmony in J&K. These groups have been using social media platforms to spread terror and have even resorted to using drones for the delivery of arms, ammunition, explosives, narcotics, and other illegal items to their agents and cadres in the Kashmir Valley.
It is crucial to note that these newly-formed outfits are linked to major banned organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Al-Badr, and Al-Qaeda.
The NIA’s raids and subsequent investigations demonstrate the agency’s commitment to countering terrorism and dismantling the networks supporting it. By targeting these newly-formed outfits, the NIA aims to disrupt their activities and prevent any potential attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
The recent operations highlight the ongoing security challenges in the region and the need for a sustained and comprehensive approach to counter terrorism. Efforts to neutralize terrorist networks and curb their influence must be complemented by initiatives to address the root causes of radicalization and promote peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
The NIA’s work in this case also underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism. Pakistan’s support for these banned outfits and their offshoots further underscores the need for collective efforts to dismantle these networks and ensure regional security.
The search operations conducted by the NIA are a significant step in dismantling the infrastructure of terror outfits and preventing future attacks. The agency’s thorough investigations and the seizure of digital evidence will contribute to building a robust case against the individuals and groups involved in this conspiracy.
The NIA’s actions send a strong message that India remains unwavering in its determination to counter terrorism and protect its citizens. The agency’s efforts, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, will continue to disrupt terrorist networks and ensure the safety and security of the people in Jammu and Kashmir.
