In a significant breakthrough against terrorism, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has dismantled a sophisticated interstate and transnational terror module, revealing a disturbing network of educated professionals operating at the behest of handlers in Pakistan and other countries.
The Investigation and Key Arrests
The operation led to the arrest of eight individuals, a group that shockingly included two doctors and a mosque imam. The arrests were made in a coordinated effort between the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Faridabad Police. Among those apprehended were Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie, a teacher at Al Falah University in Faridabad, and Dr. Adeel from Kulgam.
Authorities made a massive recovery of materials intended for creating chaos, seizing a staggering 2,900 kg of IED-making material. The haul also included a large cache of arms, ammunition, and various electronic devices specifically used for assembling bombs. Dr. Ganaie was caught with a significant portion of this, possessing 360 kg of explosives along with numerous weapons.
Uncovering the White-Collar Terror Ecosystem
The investigation was triggered on October 19 when several posters from the banned terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) were discovered pasted across the Bunpora Nowgam area in Srinagar. These posters contained direct threats and intimidation aimed at the local police and security forces.
This discovery prompted the filing of a formal case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Explosive Substances Act, and the Arms Act at the Nowgam Police Station. As detectives dug deeper, they uncovered what they have termed a "white-collar terror ecosystem."
This ecosystem involved radicalised educated professionals and students who were in direct communication with handlers based in Pakistan and other nations. The operatives extensively used encrypted messaging apps and other digital platforms for a range of activities, including communication, indoctrination, arranging funding, and logistical coordination.
In a clever disguise, money was allegedly collected through professional and academic networks, masked as legitimate social or charitable initiatives. These funds were then diverted to fuel terror activities within the region.
Ongoing Probe and Future Actions
As part of the crackdown, raids and searches were conducted across multiple locations, including Srinagar, Anantnag, Ganderbal, Shopian, Faridabad, and Saharanpur. These operations led to the recovery of more weapons, electronic devices, and incriminating documents.
The police have now initiated a thorough financial investigation to trace the intricate channels of funding and uncover all linkages associated with this module. Authorities have indicated that more arrests are expected as the investigation continues to unfold.
