Kashmir: NIA conducts searches in multiple locations, raids residence of ex-Jamaat chief

Jamaat is once again under the scanner as the NIA conducted multiple raids across Kashmir related to terror links. A search was reportedly conducted at Jamia Siraj Ul Uloom in Imamsahib. The Centre had earlier banned this institution over alleged terror links and anti-national activities.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday conducted raids at multiple locations across the Kashmir Valley in connection with an ongoing terror-related investigation. NIA teams, assisted by the J&K Police and paramilitary forces, during search’s conducted in schools and residential premises linked to suspects. 

Meanwhile, Jamaat is once again under the scanner as the probe agency carried out raids related to terror links. The investigating agency conducted the searches simultaneously in several areas of Srinagar and Shopian district of the Valley as part of a crackdown on Jamaat links with terror networks, overground workers, and suspected terror-funding activities.

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Raids at former Jamaat-e-Islami chief 

A search was reportedly conducted at Jamia Siraj Ul Uloom in Imamsahib. The Centre had earlier banned this institution over alleged terror links and anti-national activities.

Reportedly, another NIA team also searched the residence of former Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shahzada Aurangzeb in the Molu Chitragam area in Shopian district.

In February 2024, the Central government had declared 'Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu Kashmir' an "unlawful association" for another five years under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

Founded in 1941, Jamaat-e-Islami has long been accused by security agencies of involvement in activities related to fomenting terrorism, spreading anti-India propaganda and encouraging separatist ideology in Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, the Centre had first imposed a ban on 'Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu Kashmir' in February 2019, a few months before the abrogation of Article 370 provisions from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Ongoing investigation 

IANS further reported, citing sources, that the searches were linked to an ongoing investigation, although officials have not yet disclosed specific details regarding the nature of the case or whether any detentions were made during the operation.

(with IANS inputs)

Also Read: NIA raids two locations in J&K in connection with Delhi bomb blast case