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Police and Army unearthed terrorist hideout (Source: Internet)
Sopore: Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with security agencies, launched a major crackdown against the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) network in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Sunday. Security forces conducted simultaneous searches at 26 locations across Sopore and adjoining areas as part of an ongoing investigation registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Officials said the operation was aimed at investigating the alleged activities, links and support structure of the proscribed organisation. Police teams searched residential houses and other premises linked to suspected members, associates and sympathisers of Jamaat-e-Islami. The coordinated raids were carried out in several areas of Sopore, including Sadiq Colony, Bomai, Goripora, Tarzoo, Shutloo, Rohama and Behrampora Rafiabad. Security personnel were deployed across the region to maintain law and order and ensure smooth execution of the search operation.
According to officials, the searches were conducted to collect evidence related to the alleged underground network, financial connections and communication channels associated with the banned organisation. During the operation, investigating teams recovered documents, printed material and electronic devices from some locations.
The seized items are being examined through forensic analysis to identify possible links, digital communication trails and other evidence connected with the case. No fresh arrests have been reported so far. Officials said further action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
The raids were conducted in connection with a case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, against Jamaat-e-Islami and individuals allegedly linked with its network.
Security agencies are examining the organisational structure, suspected activities and possible support mechanisms of the banned group. The investigation is focused on identifying individuals, financial channels and communication networks allegedly associated with the organisation. The latest operation is part of a wider counter-terrorism strategy aimed at disrupting networks suspected of supporting banned outfits and preventing the revival of underground structures.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) banned Jamaat-e-Islami as an unlawful association on February 28, 2019, under provisions of the UAPA. The decision was taken shortly after the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed in a suicide bombing carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.
The ban on Jamaat-e-Islami was extended for another five years in February 2024. After the ban, several senior members and functionaries linked with the organisation faced legal action under UAPA provisions, while authorities also attached properties allegedly connected with the group. Under the UAPA law, agencies have powers to investigate activities that are considered a threat to India’s sovereignty, security and public order.
The latest raids come amid intensified security operations across Jammu and Kashmir following a series of recent terror-related incidents. On July 22, a policeman was killed in a targeted attack in Anantnag town. Days later, two migrant workers were killed in another terror attack in neighbouring Kulgam district. Following these incidents, security forces increased intelligence-based operations, area domination exercises and verification drives across several parts of the Valley. Officials said the objective of these operations is to identify terror supporters, overground workers and individuals allegedly linked with extremist networks.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has previously carried out multiple searches in Kashmir as part of a terror-funding investigation linked to Jamaat-e-Islami. During earlier operations, investigators searched residential properties, educational institutions and locations associated with former members of the banned organisation. Agencies reportedly recovered financial records, digital devices and documents suspected to be linked with JeI-related trusts and activities.
Security agencies have been monitoring alleged financial networks, logistical support systems and communication channels connected with organisations under investigation.
In a separate action, Baramulla Police attached property belonging to an accused in connection with an earlier case registered at Chandoosa Police Station.
Officials said land measuring around 12 kanals, 1 marla and 73 square feet belonging to Parvaiz Ahmad Famda, a resident of Kawhar Bala in Chandoosa, was attached under legal provisions.
The property was valued at approximately Rs 69.82 lakh, and the required valuation certificate was obtained as part of the legal process. The case involves charges under provisions related to unlawful activities, criminal conspiracy and other security-related offences.
Security agencies said the Sopore operation is part of a larger effort to track and dismantle suspected networks linked with banned organisations in Jammu and Kashmir. The recovered documents, electronic devices and other material are being analysed by investigating teams. Authorities said further legal action, including additional searches or arrests, will depend on the outcome of the ongoing probe.
The latest crackdown highlights the continued focus of security agencies on monitoring banned organisations, tracing their alleged financial and operational networks, and strengthening counter-terror measures across Jammu and Kashmir.
