Srinagar, September 21: The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) unit of Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted coordinated raids at eight locations across Kashmir, targeting individuals involved in spreading misinformation, radicalizing youth, and attempting to disrupt public order and peace in the region.
The operations took place in Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kupwara, and Handwara. During the searches, seven suspects were detained for questioning, and significant digital evidence relevant to the investigation was seized.
According to a statement from CIK, intelligence indicated that the suspects had links with secessionist groups and banned terrorist organizations. Further inputs revealed that some were communicating with Pakistan-based terror handlers via encrypted messaging platforms.
The individuals were reportedly engaged in disseminating false narratives, inciting youth towards radicalization, and undermining the stability of Jammu and Kashmir. The raids were conducted under the provisions of FIR No. 03/2023 registered at Police Station CIK Srinagar, invoking sections 505 and 153-A of the Indian Penal Code, along with Sections 13 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Search warrants were obtained from the Court of Special Judge designated under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act in Srinagar before carrying out the operations.
The investigation stemmed from credible intelligence that certain individuals, masquerading as social activists, were exploiting platforms related to mass media, social media, human rights, environmental causes, and women’s empowerment to further activities detrimental to the sovereignty and security of the state.
CIK described the raids as a significant blow to a covert network operating under the guise of social activism but serving terrorist interests. The seized digital material is expected to uncover deeper layers of the conspiracy, and further arrests are anticipated.
The ongoing probe aims to expose the full extent of the network, identify additional operatives, and dismantle communication channels with handlers across the border.
CIK emphasized a zero-tolerance stance against those attempting to disguise terror-linked activities as legitimate civil society efforts, warning that such elements not only threaten peace but also amplify cross-border terrorism.
As the investigation progresses, authorities expect to reveal more about the covert operations of these pseudo-activist groups and social media users who have sought to infiltrate public discourse under the pretext of noble causes while advancing anti-national agendas.
