The National Investigation Agency (NIA) logo.
Credit: PTI File Photo
Srinagar: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at 12 locations in Jammu on Wednesday in connection with a case related to cross-border infiltration by terrorists linked to Pakistan-based groups.
An NIA spokesperson confirmed that the agency, supported by police and CRPF personnel, conducted searches as part of case RC-04/2024/NIA/JMU. During the operation, the NIA seized materials that established connections between terrorists and overground workers (OGWs). These items are currently under investigation to uncover the full scope of the terror plot.
The raids focused on properties linked to OGWs associated with newly-formed factions and affiliates of banned terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The properties of sympathizers and members of these groups were also searched, he said.
This operation is connected to a series of recent attacks on security forces and civilians, part of a larger conspiracy by terrorist organizations aiming to wage war against the government of India. The NIA spokesperson stated that the action followed intelligence indicating the infiltration of LeT and JeM terrorists across the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) into India.
Reports suggest that OGWs and terror associates in the border areas played a key role in facilitating the infiltration. These individuals provided logistical support, shelter, food, and money, and guided the terrorists through the difficult terrains of Jammu province to ensure their safe passage.
The terrorists are believed to have traveled to districts such as Kathua, Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, Rajouri, Poonch, and the Kashmir valley.
Since early 2017, the NIA has carried out hundreds of raids in Jammu and Kashmir in connection with alleged terror funding, fidayeen (suicide) attack and other terror attack cases and the agency has arrested and questioned dozens of people in the last eight years.
Following the abrogation of Article 370, Pakistan-based terror groups have shifted their focus to the Jammu region, where security forces had maintained relative stability. Over the past two to three years, terrorist activities in Jammu have increased. The region's challenging terrain has been exploited to facilitate infiltration, sometimes using tunnels. Additionally, drones have been used to smuggle weapons, with infiltrators receiving assistance from local guides.
Earlier this month, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan reviewed the security situation in Jammu in response to the recent spike in terror-related incidents in previously peaceful areas.