The Kashmir Pulse

JAMMU — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has attached as many as seven immovable properties of a top militant belonging to the banned Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) organisation.

In a statement issued to the news agency KNO, a spokesperson said that Sartaj Ahmed Mantoo’s properties, including land measuring 19 Marlas and 84 Sqft at Kisarigam in Pulwama district, were attached on Wednesday under Section 33 (1) of UA(P) Act, 1967, on the orders of NIA Special Court, Jammu.

The statement reads that Sartaj was arrested on January 31, 2020, and several arms, ammunitions and explosives were recovered from his possession.

“He was chargesheeted on 27th July 2020, and is currently facing trial under relevant sections of Arms Act, IPC, Explosive Substances Act, UA(P) Act and Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933,” it reads.

It added that along with his five co-accused members of JeM, he was involved in transporting freshly infiltrated militants to the Kashmir valley. “Three terrorists were killed and arms, ammunition and explosives were also seized in the case (RC-02/2020/NIA/JMU), related to a conspiracy to unleash terror attacks on security forces/apparatus as part of an anti-India agenda.”

It reads that since its formation in 2000 by Maulana Masood Azhar, JeM has carried out several attacks in India including J&K. “JeM was enlisted as a 'Designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation' by the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSC) 1267 and the group’s leader Maulana Masood Azhar was designated as 'Global Terrorist' in 2019 by the UNSC.”

The statement added that the NIA, just a week ago, attached six immovable properties of another top militant of JeM in Kashmir as part of its crackdown on militant operatives in J&K.

KULGAM — The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Kulgam has filed a chargesheet before the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, designated under the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Kulgam, against four accused militants, including three deceased militants and one active militant.

According to a statement issued by the police, the chargesheet pertains to case FIR number 65/2022 lodged at Police Station Kulgam. The accused militants have been identified as Jan Mohammad Lone, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Sameer Ahmad Sheikh alias Kamran Bhai, and Abid Ramzan Sheikh.

The chargesheet alleges that on June 2, 2022, the aforementioned militants, affiliated with proscribed organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), The Resistance Front (TRF), and Al-Badr, conspired to fatally shoot Vijay Kumar, the Branch Manager of Ellaqhai Dehati Bank in Arreh Kulgam. Kumar, a resident of Bagwa Rajasthan, fell victim to their illegal weapons.

Following due legal procedures, the SIU Kulgam submitted the chargesheet before the NIA-designated court under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Arms Act, and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The document seeks cognizance against the deceased militants, Jan Mohammad Lone, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, and Sameer Ahmad Sheikh, for their alleged roles in abetting the crime. Additionally, the chargesheet invokes Section 299 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) against the active militant, Abid Ramzan Sheikh.

The police further informed that investigations are ongoing regarding the involvement of another accused, Arjumand Gulzar alias Hamza Burhan, an active militant associated with the proscribed terror outfit Al-Badr.

Gulzar, a resident of Kharbatpora Ratnipora Pulwama, remains at large. Authorities plan to submit a supplementary report concerning his involvement as per the provisions of Section 173(8) of the CrPC.

Further updates on the investigation are awaited as the legal proceedings progress.

SRINAGAR — A Special Investigation Unit (SIU) in Srinagar on Thursday said that it has produced a chargesheet against two accused militants in the National Investigation Agency’s Court here.

As per the news agency CNS, the probing agency’s spokesperson in a statement said, “Today, the charge sheet bearing No. 03/2024 of case FIR No. 39/2022 under section 7/27 A Act, 302 IPC, 13, 16, 18, 20 & 38 UA(P) Act of Police Station Soura, Srinagar stands presented before the Hon’ble Court of NIA Srinagar.”

The case has been presented against the two accused militants namely Adil Ahmad Parray son of Habibullah Parray, a resident of Badragund Ganderbal and Basit Ahmad Dar son of Late Abdul Rashid Dar, a resident of Redwani Payeen Qaimoh Kulgam, the spokesperson said.

“Among these two accused militants, the former one stands killed and the latter one is absconding regarding whom the Hon’ble Court is prayed to take cognizance as abated and under section 299 CrPC respectively. The next date of hearing is fixed on 28-03-2024,” the SIU added in the statement.

NEW DELHI — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) intensified its efforts to dismantle the militancy network in Jammu and Kashmir by charging five individuals, including three fugitive handlers based in Pakistan, in connection with the January 2023 Rajouri attacks.

In a statement issued on Monday, the agency identified the case as RC-01 & 02/2023/NIA/JMU, which revolves around a brutal assault on civilians in village Dhangri on January 1, 2023, followed by an IED blast the next day. The attacks claimed the lives of seven people, including two children, and left numerous others severely injured.

According to the NIA, among the charged individuals are three handlers of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit: Saifullah alias Sajid Jutt alias Ali alias Habibullah alias Numan alias Langda alias Noumi, Mohd Qasim, and Abu Qatal alias Qatal Sindhi. While Abu Qatal and Sajit Jutt are Pakistani nationals, Qasim had crossed into Pakistan around 2002 and joined LeT's ranks there.

"The trio orchestrated the recruitment and dispatch of LeT terrorists from Pakistan to target innocent civilians, particularly from the minority community in Jammu & Kashmir, as well as security personnel. The attacks were carried out under their directives," the statement affirmed.

It further detailed that Saifullah, currently a senior LeT commander, masterminded the conspiracy from Pakistan, with Qasim serving as his right-hand man. Abu Qatal, who had been active in the Poonch-Rajouri range since 2002-03, collaborated with other militants.

Additionally, the NIA charged Nisar Ahmed alias Haji Nisar and Mushtaq Hussain alias Chacha, both overground workers (OGWs) of LeT and residents of Mohra, Gursai, Tehsil Mendhar, District Poonch. The duo was apprehended during the investigation for providing logistical support to the militants, including food, shelter, and destroying evidence.

"Nisar had also received arms, ammunition, and cash from the Pakistan-based handlers for the terrorists. He had been in contact with Abu Qatal even after the latter's return to Pakistan," the statement revealed.

The two adult accused and the Pakistan-based handlers face charges under the UA(P) Act and various sections of the IPC. The case against the apprehended juvenile will be presented to the Juvenile Justice Board in Rajouri.

KUPWARA — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced on Thursday the attachment of properties belonging to four individuals accused of militancy involvement in the northern region of Kashmir.

According to official sources quoted by a local news agency, the action is part of an intensified security crackdown in Kashmir. The four properties were seized as part of RC 03/2020, allegedly implicating members of outfits Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), among others.

The properties were attached in north Kashmir's Handwara, within the context of the NIA Jammu case RC 03/2020 related to 'narco-terrorism' involving Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Toiba. Under Section 25 of the UA(P) Act, the NIA also seized a total of Rs 2.27 crore in cash.

Officials stated that the case pertains to the utilization of proceeds from narcotic drugs to fund militant activities by LeT and HM operating in the Handwara-Kupwara region.

SRINAGAR — The NIA court in Pulwama has declared Ashiq Ahmed Nengroo, son of Ghulam Ahmed Nengroo and resident of Hanjan Bala, Rajpora, a proclaimed offender following an application by Pulwama Police.

According to information provided by Pulwama Police, Ashiq Nengroo, also known as Molvi, was designated as an 'Individual Terrorist' by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in 2022.

A senior police official said that Nengroo fled to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in 2018 and is currently engaged in anti-national activities from there, enticing local youths towards militancy.

Nengroo is implicated in multiple FIRs, including cases registered at Police Station Rajpora (42/2022, 50/2023), Police Station Pulwama (129/2013), Police Station Jaggerkotli Jammu (89/2018), Police Station Kathua (191/2018), Police Station Awantipora (20/2019), and Police Station Pulwama (188/2020), among others, related to anti-national and militancy-related activities.

Following his escape to PoK, Nengroo allegedly orchestrated numerous drone deliveries, facilitated weapon transfers, and engaged in hawala transactions to sustain militancy operations in the Union Territory, the officer disclosed.

Moreover, Nengroo's involvement in recent FIRs has come to light, where he reportedly reached out to local youths via social media, luring them into joining militant groups and assigning tasks such as weapon transportation.

According to the police, the notable among those influenced are Ruhail Abdullah, son of Mohd Abdullah, involved in FIR number 116/2023 of Police Station Litter, and Shahbaz Ahmed Dar, son of Gh Hasan Dar, of Gulshanabad, implicated in FIR number 331/2023 of Police Station Pulwama.

JAMMU — The Jammu Police has submitted a chargesheet in the court of 3rd Additional Sessions Judge Jammu (NIA) against two individuals, identified as Abdul Waris and Masrat Hussain, in connection with a 'terror' case.

According to an official statement, the case, registered under FIR No. 255/2010, involves various sections of the law, including 13, 17, and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, as well as 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code.

The investigation uncovered that on October 25, 2010, the police apprehended Abdul Waris and Masrat Hussain near Vaishnavi Dham during a routine checkpoint operation. Upon interrogation, they revealed their identities and were found to be carrying a significant amount of cash, anti-national materials, and printed letter pads affiliated with banned terrorist organizations.

The official disclosed that further investigation revealed alarming details, as both accused individuals confessed to crossing the Line of Control (LoC) from Poonch and undergoing training in Pakistan approximately a decade ago.

The official added that they admitted to being associated with commanders of HM/LeT outfits, with the aim of executing militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The recovered funds were allegedly intended to finance insurgent activities and recruit local youths in Doda and Kishtwar, the official further stated.

Elaborating on the comprehensive investigation conducted by the Jammu Police, the official emphasized that charges against the accused have been substantiated, with offences under sections 13, 17, 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code being established.

While the accused are presently out on bail, the chargesheet has been presented in the Honorable Court of 3rd Additional Sessions Judge Jammu (NIA) to ensure fair and impartial legal proceedings.

SRINAGAR — In connection with a militancy funding case, sleuths of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday early morning carried out raids at 15 locations in J&K.

NIA spokesperson in a statement said that its teams swooped down on the premises of various suspects at five locations in Srinagar, three in Budgam, two in Kulgam, one in Anantnag and four in Jammu.

“Incriminating documents and digital devices connected with the activities of JeI (Jamaat-e-Islami) and its related Trusts in J&K were seized during the extensive searches, which also led to the recovery of over 20 lakh rupees in case,” said the spokesperson in the statement.

The probing agency said that its investigations in the case, registered on February 5, 2021, have so far revealed that JeI and its members have continued to promote militant and secessionist activities in J&K even after the outfit was proscribed under the UA(P) Act in February 2019. “Operatives of the banned organisation had been collecting funds through donations from within India and abroad.”

“The funds were collected mainly in the form of Zakat, Mowda and Bait-ul-Maal, purported to promote charity and other welfare activities, such as health and education, but were instead being used for carrying out violent and secessionist activities,” reads the statement.

It was further found that the funds raised by JeI were also being channelled to other proscribed militant organisations, such as Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) etc, through well-organised networks of JeI cadres, the NIA said, adding that JeI was also engaged in motivating impressionable youth and recruiting new members (Rukuns) in J&K to further its nefarious and secessionist activities.

NIA had earlier charge-sheeted four accused persons in the case in which investigations are continuing, it added.

SRINAGAR — In response to the recent attack in the Rajouri district of Jammu, a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reached the site where security forces are intensifying search efforts in the forested region of Dera Ki Gali.

Official sources disclosed that the army has apprehended several suspects from Dera Ki Gali, holding them for further investigation following the ambush of two army vehicles by heavily armed militants.

The area in the Rajouri district has been under intense scrutiny as security personnel continue a comprehensive search operation in the forest region. The attack, occurring a day earlier, resulted in the loss of five soldiers, with two others sustaining injuries amid the ongoing encounter.

The NIA's arrival signals an escalation in the investigation into the ambush and subsequent fatalities. The detained suspects are believed to have connections or potential involvement in the attack, prompting a thorough inquiry into the incident.

SRINAGAR — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday attached a residential house in Chersoo village of Awantipora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

An official told the news agency KNO that the house is owned jointly by Khursheed Ahmed Bhat and his five brothers.

He said that the house has been attached under the provisions of UAPA by the order of NIA Special Court Jammu.

NEW DELHI — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday raided several locations across Jammu & Kashmir in connection with the 'terror conspiracy' hatched and operationalised by the offshoots of the banned Pakistan-backed organisations, such as Laskhar-e-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Al-Badr, Al-Qaeda, etc.

A spokesman in a statement issued to the news agency KNO said that the teams of NIA cracked down on eight locations in the seven districts of Poonch, Shopian, Pulwama, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kupwara and Srinagar of the Union Territory of J&K.

The locations raided today were residential premises of hybrid terrorists and overground workers (OGWs) associated with the newly-formed affiliates and offshoots of the banned outfits.

“Extensive searches were also conducted at the premises of the cadres and sympathisers of these newly floated organisations, which included The Resistance Front (TRF), United Liberation Front Jammu & Kashmir (ULFJ&K), Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind (MGH), Jammu & Kashmir Freedom Fighters (JKFF), Kashmir Tigers, PAAF, among others,” the statement said.

The searches led to the seizure of several digital devices containing large volumes of incriminating data and documents by the NIA, which has been investigating the conspiracy of the recently launched offshoots of the banned "terror outfits to destabilize J&K through violent terrorist attacks and activities".

NIA had registered the case (RC-05/2022/NIA/JMU) suo moto on June 21, 2022 to probe the involvement of the cadres, OGWs and other suspects of the new outfits in the "collection and distribution of sticky bombs/magnetic bombs, IEDs, funds, narcotic substances and arms/ammunition to spread terror, violence and subversion" in J&K.

The statement added that NIA investigations so far have revealed that "Pak-based operatives were using social media platforms to promote terror, and were also using drones to deliver arms/ammunition, explosives, narcotics etc to their operatives and cadres" in the Kashmir valley.

“These activities were being carried out as part of the terror conspiracy hatched by the banned outfits, backed by their masters in Pakistan. The conspiracy also involved radicalization of local youth and mobilization of OGWs to carry out violent and disruptive activities in J&K,” the spokesman said.

SRINAGAR — In a significant development, the Special Designated NIA Court, Srinagar has declared six members of a narco-module as proclaimed offenders. "This action comes in the wake of their involvement in the cross-border smuggling of narcotics in collaboration with Lashkar-e-Taiba/Hizbul Mujahideen operatives from across the border."

"The illicit drugs were subsequently distributed among the youth, while the proceeds were used to fuel terror activities by financing and strengthening the activities of the LeT and HM militant organizations," State Investigation Agency (SIA) said in a statement.

SIA in its statement to the news agency KDC said, “During the investigation of the case FIR No. 19/2022, the State Investigation Agency Kashmir successfully dismantled a narco-terror module and apprehended several of its members. Notable among these were Rubeena Nazir from Sopore and central jail detainee Ishfaq Ahmad Mir."

"These individuals were found to be operating the narco-terror module in collusion with terror handlers located across the border. While six members of the module have already been apprehended, several others have been identified and are currently under active pursuit,” it added.

State Investigation Agency has been diligently tracking down the accused who remain at large, they said, adding that multiple locations across the Union Territory have been subject to raids as part of these ongoing operations.

SIA further said among the absconding individuals, the six members of the narco-terror module have been declared as proclaimed offenders by the Special Designated NIA Court after SIA apprised the court about the investigation conducted so far and were identified as Abdul Rashid Bhat son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, resident of Lakripora Padgampora, Awantipora; Abdul Rashid Mir son of Mohammad Sultan Mir, resident of Amargrah Sopore; Sageer Ahmad Poswal son of Nazir Ahmad Poswal, resident of Amrohi, Tangdhar, Karnah, Kupwara.

Iftikhar Ahmad Sheikh son of Abdul Lateef Sheikh, resident of Amrohi, Tangdhar, Karnah, Kupwara; Basharat Ahmad Poswal son of Mohammad Sadiq, resident of Parda Karna, Kupwara and Javid Ahmad Thakkar, also known as Raja Thakkar, son of Tasaduq Hussain Thakkar, resident of Barhon Thanamandi Rajouri were also identified as proclaimed offenders.

"The State Investigation Agency is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to apprehend the absconding offenders. SIA Kashmir stands firm in its commitment to ensure that these individuals are brought to justice at the earliest possible time," reads the statement.

SRINAGAR — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted raids at five locations in south Kashmir in a conspiracy case.

According to a statement issued to the news agency KNO, the raids were carried out in Shopian, Awantipora and Pulwama on the premises of "hybrid terrorists and OGWs of the outfits and affiliates of Pakistan-backed banned terrorist organizations".

The statement reads that the NIA also raided the premises of sympathizers and cadres of the newly floated outfits, namely The Resistance Front (TRF), United Liberation Front Jammu & Kashmir (ULF J&K), Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind (MGH), Jammu & Kashmir Freedom Fighters (JKFF), Kashmir Tigers, PAAF and others.

“These outfits are affiliated to various banned Pak-backed organizations like Laskhar-e-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Al-Badr, Al-Qaeda, etc. Several digital devices containing large volumes of incriminating data were recovered by NIA during today’s searches, which have once again put the spotlight on OGWs as an important part of the terror ecosystem in the Valley, which is being dismantled on a continuous basis. Also known as hybrid terrorists, they provide support to militants and terrorists based in Pakistan,” the statement added.

It added that the NIA had registered a suo moto case (RC-05/2022/NIA/JMU) on June 21, 2022 to investigate the "involvement of the cadres and OGWs of the various outfits in spreading activities relating to terror, violence and subversion in J&K."

“These cadres and workers have been involved in the collection and distribution of sticky bombs/magnetic bombs, IEDs, funds, narcotic substances and arms/ammunitions,” it said.

It further reads that the NIA investigations have revealed that Pak-based operatives were using social media platforms to promote terror.

“Drones were being used by them to deliver arms/ammunition, explosives, narcotics etc. to their operatives and cadres in the Kashmir valley. The terror conspiracy relates to plotting by the banned outfits in both physical and cyberspace to unleash violent terrorist attacks in J&K with sticky bombs, IEDs and small arms etc.,” it stated.

As per the statement, "the organizations, supported by their masters in Pakistan, have been conspiring to commit acts of terror and violence, by radicalizing local youth and mobilizing overground workers, to disturb the peace and communal harmony in J&K".

SRINAGAR — Proficient and well-known Islamic scholar Maulana Rehmatullah Mir Qasmi, who runs Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah Bandipora, appeared before National Investigation Agency (NIA) after the probe agency summoned him in an alleged militancy funding case.

Earlier, National Investigation Agency summoned Maulana Rehmatullah Mir Qasmi informing him that they are investigating the case pertaining to the raising of funds by Jamat-e-Islami in Jammu and Kashmir and further utilizing these funds for ‘committing unlawful acts to radicalize the youth’ of Jammu and Kashmir.

"It appears that you are acquainted with the facts of this case. You are hereby directed to report at the NIA camp office Church Lane Sonwar Srinagar for the purpose of answering certain questions related to the case," reads the summon served to Maulana Qasmi.

Sources said that Qasmi presented himself before the probe agency. “What transpired during the questioning was not immediately known,” said a close aide of Qasmi.

Rahmatullah Mir Qasmi is a Kashmiri Islamic scholar, founder, and rector of Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah, one of the largest Islamic seminaries in Kashmir. He is a senior member of the managing committee of Darul Uloom Deoband, a founding member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and a member of the working body of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind.

MMU condemns NIA's summoning of Maulana Rehmatullah Mir Qasmi

Meanwhile, Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama Jammu and Kashmir (MMU) has expressed serious concern over the summoning of its president and leading Islamic scholar Maulana Rehmatullah Mir Qasmi by NIA and termed it extremely sad.

MMU, in a statement, issued to to the news agency KNS said that Moulana Rehmatullah is not only a renowned Islamic scholar but also a sincere preacher of Islam who has dedicated himself to religious, educational and reformative services for our society.

It said that such actions are causing anxiety and anger among the people, and urged the government to put a stop to this.

SRINAGAR — The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir is currently carrying out raids at nine different locations in three districts of south Kashmir, an official said on Thursday.

An official quoted by the news agency KNO said that the SIA personnel accompanied by police and the paramilitary CRPF are carrying out raids at nine locations in three districts.

“The searches are underway in Litter area of Pulwama, Shirmal and Kachwa area of Shopian and Chittergul, Semthan and Shangus Utrosoo area of Anantnag districts of south Kashmir,” he said.

He said these searches are being carried out in connection with an investigation into the killing of Sanjay Sharma (Bank ATM guard) who was killed by militants in Achan Pulwama in February this year.

NEW DELHI — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday said that continuing its crackdown on the newly floated militant outfits in Jammu and Kashmir, they seized incriminating literature and several digital devices.

In a handout to the news agency GNS, the NIA said that the searches were conducted at three locations in the Kashmir valley, in the residential premises of sympathizers/cadres, hybrid militants and over-ground workers (OGWs) linked with the newly-formed offshoots and affiliates of several proscribed Pakistan-backed militant outfits, such as Laskhar-e-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), AI-Badr, AI-Qaeda, etc.

According to the spokesman, the day-long raids and searches were conducted at locations in Srinagar and Budgam districts, as part of the ongoing NIA investigations into the activities of the recently formed militant groups, including The Resistance Front (TRF), United Liberation Front Jammu & Kashmir (ULFJ&K), Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind (MGH), Jammu & Kashmir Freedom Fighters (JKFF), Kashmir Tigers and PAAF.

A total of 51 locations have been searched in recent days in connection with the 'terror conspiracy case' (RC-05/2022/NIA/JMU), which was registered suo moto by NIA on June 21, 2022. The case relates to the hatching of a conspiracy, both physical and in cyberspace, and plans by the proscribed militant organizations to unleash violent militant attacks in J&K with sticky bombs, IEDs and small arms etc.

"The plans are part of a larger conspiracy to carry out acts of militancy and violence, by radicalizing local youth and mobilizing overground workers, to disturb the peace and communal harmony of J&K," he said.

Cadres and workers of the newly formed organizations have been found to be involved in the collection and distribution of sticky bombs/magnetic bombs, IEDs, funds, narcotic substances and arms/ammunition, etc. "They are spreading activities relating to militancy, violence and subversion in J&K, as per NIA investigations," he said.

"Investigations have further revealed that Pak-based operatives are using drones to deliver arms/ ammunitions, explosives, narcotics, etc to their operatives and cadres in the Kashmir valley. These operatives are using social media to connect with the cadres and workers in India," reads the statement.

SRINAGAR — The National Investigation Agency (NIA), while continuing the crackdown on Wednesday, conducted raids on at least three locations in central Kashmir's Budgam district in a case registered by the national probing agency.

Official sources quoted by the Srinagar-based news agency KDC said that sleuths of NIA with the assistance of Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF carried out raids at three locations in Budgam district.

The sleuths of NIA searched the residence of Farooq Ahmad Bhat son of Ghulam Hassan Bhat and the house of Zubair Ahmad Dar son of Late Abdul Hamid Dar, both residents of Aripanthan.

Another team raided the residential house of Ali Mohammad Dar son of Ghulam Ahmad in the same village of the district.

An official said the raids are being conducted in connection with a case already registered at the NIA office. "The details of the case will be shared later," he said.

NEW DELHI — The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to separatist leader Yasin Malik following an appeal by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), demanding that he be awarded the death penalty.

On May 26, the NIA approached the Delhi High Court seeking the death penalty for Malik, asserting that not giving capital punishment to such a "dreaded terrorist" will result in a miscarriage of justice.

The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief was awarded a life term by a trial court in a militant funding case last year.

“Considering the record and circumstances that the respondent pleaded guilty interalia to charge under 121 IPC that stipulates among others punishment of death; the delay in refiling the appeal is condoned... We issue notice to Yasin Malik in both the application and the appeal,” the bench said.

SRINAGAR — In a major crackdown in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday raided multiple locations with the assistance of J&K Police and CRPF in Jammu and Kashmir in connection with a case of banned organization Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI).

Reliable sources informed Srinagar-based news agency KDC that the sleuths of NIA with the assistance of police and CRPF raided the house of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat (85) son of Mohammad Jabbar Bhat at HIG Colony Bemina in Srinagar. The raid carried out by the agency is related to the JeI.

In south Kashmir’s Anantnag, the NIA team raided the house of Mudasir Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Hassan Dar, a resident of KV-pora Marhama.

The other team headed by Inspector Patail searched the house of Ghulam Quadi Wani son of Abdul Salam Wani, a resident of Goosu Pulwama as he was affiliated with JeI. The NIA team also raided Thokerpora Rajpora in the house of Shameem Ahmad Thoker son of Ghulam Nabi Thoker, who is a government teacher.

Another NIA team searched the house of Mansoor Ahmad Dar son of Late Mohd Maqbool Dar, a resident of Wanbal Nehama in Kakapora. At Nehama, the houses of Mushtaq Ah Rather son of Assadullah Rather and Abdul Rashid Malik son of Ghulam Ahmad Malik are being searched by another team of NIA.

The agency also raided the house of Abdul Rashid Malik son of Ghulam Ahmad Malik at Daferpora Newa. He is said to be the close relative of Advocate Zahid (JeI), a resident of Nehama Kakapora who is presently under Public Safety Act (PSA).

In north Kashmir, the house of Ubaid Khazir Malik son of Khazir Mohd Malik at Warpora Zachaldara, Handwara is being searched by the nation probing agency.

The raids are being carried out at other locations in Jammu and Kashmir, of which details will be shared later.

An official confirmed the raids and said that further details will be shared after the conclusion of the raids.

The Centre had banned the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 for five years under an anti-terror law on grounds that it was "in close touch" with militant outfits and is expected to "escalate secessionist movement" in the state.

SRINAGAR — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday conducted raids at several locations across the Kashmir Valley in a case related to the militant conspiracy.

According to a statement, the raids were conducted in Anantnag, Srinagar, Pulwama, Shopian and Budgam districts, during which incriminating material and documents were also seized.

The statement reads that the raids were conducted in the premises of sympathizers, hybrid militants and OGWs linked with the newly-formed offshoots and affiliates of several proscribed Pak-backed militant organizations, including Laskhar-e-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Al-Badr, Al-Qaeda, etc.

“The raids were part of the ongoing investigations of NIA in the militant conspiracy case, involving the activities of OGWs and cadres in support of various newly-launched outfits, such as The Resistance Front (TRF), United Liberation Front Jammu & Kashmir (ULFJ&K), Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind (MGH), Jammu & Kashmir Freedom Fighters (JKFF), Kashmir Tigers, PAAF, among others,” it said.

It added that besides militant and violent activities, these cadres and workers had been found involved in the collection and distribution of sticky, magnetic bombs, IEDs, funds, narcotics and arms and ammunition.

“NIA investigations had further revealed that Pak-based operatives were involved in the delivery of arms and ammunition, explosives, narcotics etc to these cadres and workers in the Kashmir valley via drones. Social media platforms were also being widely used by the operatives across the border to connect with OGWs and cadres in Kashmir,” the statement said.

The statement reads that NIA had registered the case (RC-05/2022/NIA/JMU) suo motu on June 21, 2022.

It further said, “The matter related to conspiracy and plans, hatched physically as well in cyberspace, by these proscribed militant organizations. The conspirators aimed to unleash violent militant attacks in J-K with sticky bombs, IEDs and small arms etc, as part of a larger conspiracy to commit acts of militant and violence by radicalizing local youth and mobilizing and deploying overground workers.”

It added in connection with the investigation of this case, since the beginning of this month, NIA has conducted more than 70 searches in Jammu and Kashmir.