Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 27

State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Saturday initiated proclamation proceedings against an absconding suspect accused of involvement in a cross-border narcotics trafficking network that investigators say was used to finance militant activities in the region.

The action against Bilal Shabir Awan, a resident of Karnah in Kupwara district near the Line of Control, marks the latest step in an investigation into what authorities describe as an organised narco-terror network with links to handlers based in Pakistan.

Officials said the proclamation was executed at Awan’s residence in Dildar village in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses in compliance with orders issued by a competent court.

Under Indian criminal procedure, proclamation proceedings are initiated when an accused repeatedly evades arrest, requiring the individual to appear before the court within a specified period or face further legal action, including possible attachment of property.

The case originated in January this year after police intercepted a vehicle during a checkpoint operation in the Barthana area of Srinagar and seized a substantial quantity of heroin, officials said.

Initially registered at Parimpora police station, the investigation was later transferred to the State Investigation Agency after investigators concluded that the narcotics seizure was linked to a broader cross-border network allegedly involved in financing militant activities through drug trafficking.

According to the SIA, subsequent investigations uncovered what it described as a well-organised syndicate operating across the Line of Control, with narcotics smuggled into Jammu and Kashmir through cross-border channels before being distributed locally to generate funds for militant organisations.

Following the findings, investigators invoked provisions of India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in addition to narcotics-related offences, treating the case as one involving alleged narco-terror financing.

Authorities have since filed a charge sheet against seven accused persons, all of whom are currently facing trial before a designated court, while investigations into the wider conspiracy remain ongoing.

Officials said investigators were continuing to identify additional suspects, financial links and logistical networks believed to have facilitated the movement of narcotics and funds.

The SIA did not disclose the quantity of heroin seized or identify the Pakistan-based organisation allegedly linked to the smuggling operation.

The agency said Saturday’s proclamation proceedings demonstrated its determination to pursue absconding suspects through all available legal means.

“SIA Kashmir remains committed to dismantling narco-terror networks and ensuring that every absconding accused is traced, apprehended and brought before the law,” the agency said in a statement.

The investigation forms part of a broader crackdown by security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir on what authorities describe as the growing convergence of narcotics trafficking and militancy financing.

Indian security agencies have increasingly alleged that Pakistan-based militant groups have diversified their funding mechanisms by using cross-border drug smuggling, particularly heroin, to finance recruitment, procurement of weapons and militant operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Police and investigative agencies have responded by expanding financial investigations, attaching properties allegedly linked to narco-terror networks and invoking anti-terror legislation in cases where proceeds from narcotics are suspected to have supported militant activity.

Authorities said further investigation into the alleged conspiracy was continuing.