In a major crackdown, the Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) launched simultaneous raids across twelve locations in seven districts of the Kashmir Valley early on Tuesday morning. The operation is linked to a two-year-old case concerning the alleged glorification of terrorism and radicalisation through social media platforms.
Valley-Wide Operation Targets Multiple Districts
The intelligence wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, known as the CIK, executed search warrants at premises spread across Pulwama, Budgam, Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, and Kupwara districts. Officials confirmed that the raids were conducted after obtaining necessary warrants from the competent judicial authority.
The case was originally registered at the CIK police station two years ago. It centres on a series of social media posts that investigators say were designed to glorify and propagate terrorist ideology. The primary aim, according to police sources, was to radicalise young individuals and recruit them into militant ranks.
Legal Framework and Charges Invoked
The investigation is being pursued under stringent legal provisions. The case has been filed under Sections 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
More significantly, authorities have also invoked the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), specifically Sections 13 and 18. These sections pertain to unlawful activities and punishment for conspiracy, respectively, indicating the serious nature of the allegations.
Background and Ongoing Investigation
The CIK, a specialised branch of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), handles militancy-related cases in the region. This latest operation underscores the agency's continued focus on what it describes as online campaigns to influence Kashmiri youth.
While the precise identities of those under scrutiny or the exact content of the social media posts have not been publicly disclosed, the scale of the raids suggests a coordinated effort to gather digital and material evidence. The searches are part of the ongoing probe into the network behind the flagged online activity.
This action highlights the persistent challenges authorities face in countering propaganda and recruitment efforts in the volatile region, with a particular emphasis on monitoring cyberspace.
