In a significant counter-terrorism operation, the Jammu and Kashmir Police's Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) wing conducted coordinated raids at twelve different locations across multiple districts on Tuesday. The action led to the detention of twelve individuals suspected of involvement in activities aimed at radicalising the youth and disrupting public order in the region.
Widespread Raids Across Kashmir Valley
The raids were executed based on search warrants issued by a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Srinagar. The police teams targeted locations spread across seven districts: Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kupwara, Budgam, and Shopian. These operations are linked to a case registered under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at the CIK police station.
Modus Operandi: Exploiting Legitimate Platforms
According to an official statement from the CIK, the agency acted on credible intelligence inputs. The investigation suggests that the suspects were allegedly exploiting various platforms as a cover for activities deemed prejudicial to national security. The police claim these individuals misused avenues linked to:
- Mass media and social media
- Human rights advocacy
- Environmental causes
- Women empowerment initiatives
The primary accusations against them include radicalising youth, systematically attempting to disrupt public order, and spreading false narratives that glorify terrorism and terrorists. Furthermore, the CIK stated that some of the accused were allegedly in contact with Pakistan-based terror handlers using encrypted communication applications.
Administration's Stern Warning Against False Narratives
This crackdown aligns with recent warnings from the Union Territory administration. On December 11, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the issue, stating that certain elements from what he called the "dying terror ecosystem" were attempting to spread misinformation and negative narratives against the country.
"We have not bought peace, but established peace. Those fanning separatism and threatening national unity will face the action as per the law," Sinha had asserted. The administration has consistently warned of strict legal action against anyone involved in spreading false propaganda that threatens the sovereignty and integrity of India.
The detention of the twelve suspects for questioning marks a continued effort by security forces to dismantle networks involved in propaganda and radicalisation within Jammu and Kashmir. The use of the UAPA indicates the serious nature of the charges, which focus on preventing unlawful activities that challenge public safety and national security.
