NIA conducts extensive searches in Kashmir on terror conspiracy

In a significant development regarding the Jammu and Kashmir terror conspiracy case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) recently conducted extensive searches across Kashmir. The operation targeted individuals linked to hybrid terrorists and Overground Workers (OGWs) associated with newly-formed offshoots and affiliates of several banned terrorist organizations. Notable among these are Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Al-Badr, and Al-Qaeda.

During the raids conducted at nine locations, the NIA seized several digital devices containing substantial volumes of incriminating data and documents. These materials are crucial for unraveling the complete conspiracy and dismantling the terror networks operating in the region. The agency’s focus extends to scrutinizing the recovered digital devices and other data meticulously.

The NIA emphasized that the searches were part of its ongoing investigation under case number RC-05/2022/NIA/JMU, which it registered suo moto on June 21, 2022. This case pertains to a terror conspiracy involving plans by the aforementioned banned terrorist outfits and their newly formed offshoots to carry out violent activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The methods include using sticky bombs, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and small arms.

The agency also pointed out that the outfits targeted in the operation include the Resistance Front (TRF), United Liberation Front Jammu & Kashmir (ULFJ&K), Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind (MGH), Jammu and Kashmir Freedom Fighters (JKFF), Kashmir Tigers, PAAF, and others. These outfits are considered frontal organizations affiliated with the banned terrorist organizations and are accused of radicalizing local youth and mobilizing overground workers to disturb peace and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir.

The NIA underscored that these activities are part of a larger nefarious agenda orchestrated by the main militant groups with support from their handlers based in Pakistan. The crackdown reflects the ongoing efforts by Indian security agencies to curb terrorism and maintain stability in the region.