Kashmir: CIK Launches Crackdown on Alleged Terror-Linked Network

SRINAGAR: The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK), the specialized investigative wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, executed a significant operation on Tuesday, targeting a suspected terror-support network operating under the cover of social activism.

The agency said that coordinated searches were conducted across multiple districts in the Kashmir Valley, resulting in the detention of 12 individuals for questioning.

In an official statement, the CIK described the action as a "decisive blow to anti-national elements operating under the garb of social activism." The raids exposed what authorities claim is a clandestine ecosystem designed to advance terror agendas while posing as advocates for social change.

The operation was linked to FIR No. 03/2023, registered at Police Station CIK Srinagar under Sections 505 and 153-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertaining to statements conducing to public mischief and promoting enmity between groups as well as Sections 13 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, which address unlawful activities and conspiracy related to terrorism, it said, adding that search warrants were obtained from the Court of the Special Judge designated under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act in Srinagar, ensuring legal authorisation for the raids.

Intelligence inputs formed the foundation of the case, revealing that certain individuals in J&K were allegedly exploiting legitimate platforms including mass media, social media, human rights advocacy, environmental initiatives, and women's empowerment causes to conduct activities detrimental to India's sovereignty, integrity, and security. Further verification uncovered suspected connections to secessionist groups and proscribed terrorist organisations, the CIK said.

It further stated that some suspects were reportedly in contact with Pakistan-based terror handlers via encrypted communication applications. The individuals are accused of spreading false and provocative narratives, glorifying terrorists and acts of terrorism, radicalising vulnerable youth, deliberately attempting to incite unrest and disrupt public order in the region. These actions, according to the CIK, pose a grave threat to peace and stability in J&K.

Raids were carried out at 12 locations spanning seven districts-Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kupwara, Budgam, and Shopian.During the searches, authorities detained 12 suspects for sustained questioning. A significant quantity of digital evidence was recovered, including 10 mobile phones, one laptop and 14 SIM cards.

These items have been sent for comprehensive forensic analysis, which is expected to provide further insights into the network's operations, it said.

The CIK stated that the operation has effectively disrupted a covert network leveraging the credibility of social causes to further terrorist objectives. "Analysis of the seized evidence may uncover additional layers of the conspiracy, with the possibility of more arrests as the probe advances," it added.

A CIK official told this newspaper that the investigation continues with a focus on mapping the full extent of the network, identifying additional conspirators and associates, and tracing communication channels with alleged handlers across the border. "This action aligns with the CIK's proactive efforts over recent months to neutralise separatist and terror-support networks. Notable prior operations include raids targeting social media misuse in collusion with overseas handlers, as well as the detention of professionals allegedly exploiting their positions to facilitate unlawful activities, " he asserted.

The CIK emphasised its commitment to countering threats to national security, warning that any abuse of democratic freedoms or social platforms to promote terrorism will face strict action. Citizens have been encouraged to stay vigilant and support law enforcement in preserving peace in the Union Territory.