Srinagar, June 3,: Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Wednesday conducted searches at eight locations across the Kashmir Valley in connection with the investigation of a terror-related case.
The searches were carried out in Srinagar, Anantnag, Kulgam, Bandipora, Sopore, Kupwara and other locations as part of an ongoing probe into alleged millitant activities and support networks operating in the Valley.
An official told news agency that the case pertains to an FIR number 2 registered in 2015 of PS CIK Srinagar under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, sections 15, 16, 17 and 19 of the UAPA Act, and section 7/25 of the Arms Act, following information about the activities of banned militant outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Hizbul Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Investigators suspect that these groups operated through handlers based across the border and relied on Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and sleeper cells in Kashmir to facilitate infiltration, radicalization, recruitment and other activities aimed at disturbing peace and security in the region.
“During the course of the investigation, CIK received inputs suggesting that suspects were using encrypted social media and communication platforms to remain in contact with millitant handlers, circulate radical propaganda and coordinate unlawful activities,”
Teams of CIK, assisted by local police and other security agencies, carried out the searches to collect evidence, seize digital devices and identify individuals allegedly linked to the network. Officials said the operation forms part of sustained efforts to dismantle terror-support structures and disrupt communication channels used by militant organisations.
The searches were underway when reports last came in, and further details regarding recoveries or arrests are awaited. Officials said the investigation remains in progress and additional information will be shared as the probe advances.
