Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 27

Police on Saturday carried out coordinated searches at multiple locations across Kashmir as part of an ongoing investigation into a case involving alleged unlawful and extremist activities under India’s anti-terror legislation, officials said.

The searches were conducted by the Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK), a wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Criminal Investigation Department, in connection with a 2023 case registered under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sections of the Indian Penal Code relating to promoting communal enmity, public mischief and criminal intimidation.

Officials said the raids were carried out after obtaining warrants from a competent court and targeted premises in Srinagar, Ganderbal and Anantnag districts.

The operation formed part of what investigators described as a continuing effort to gather evidence and establish the scope of the alleged network under investigation.

During the searches, investigators seized documents, mobile phones and other digital devices that will undergo forensic examination, officials said.

“The operation is aimed at collecting evidence relevant to the investigation while ensuring full compliance with legal procedures,” a senior police official said.

Authorities did not disclose the identities of those whose premises were searched, nor did they announce any arrests following Saturday’s operation.

The case relates to FIR No. 07/2023 registered at the Counter Intelligence Kashmir police station in Srinagar. It includes charges under Sections 153A, 505 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code, as well as Sections 13, 18, 18B and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, India’s principal anti-terrorism law.

The UAPA provides investigating agencies with enhanced powers to investigate offences involving terrorism, unlawful associations, financing of terrorism and activities considered prejudicial to national security.

Police said the investigation has involved intelligence inputs, technical surveillance and digital forensic analysis over an extended period.

The Counter Intelligence Kashmir unit specialises in investigating cases involving militant networks, radicalisation, sleeper cells and other activities considered threats to internal security.

Officials said evidence recovered during Saturday’s searches would be subjected to forensic and technical analysis to determine its relevance to the investigation.

The searches come as security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir continue to intensify intelligence-led operations against suspected militant support networks while seeking to prevent radicalisation and the financing of militant activities.

Security operations have increasingly focused on digital communications, financial transactions and online activity, reflecting a shift from traditional counter-insurgency operations toward intelligence-driven investigations targeting alleged logistical and ideological support structures.

Authorities have said such operations are intended to disrupt networks accused of facilitating militant activities, even as the region has witnessed an improvement in tourist arrivals and economic activity in recent years.

Police did not provide further details on the nature of the investigation, saying inquiries were continuing.