Srinagar’s religious institutions raided for alleged terror links

Srinagar: In a coordinated city-wide operation on Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir Police carried out inspections of masjids and madrassas across Srinagar, intensifying a drive against alleged terrorist-linked networks and individuals.

Authorities said the search teams — accompanied by Executive Magistrates and independent witnesses — entered religious institutions to gather evidence of what they described as “terror-linked or radical activities inimical to the security and integrity of the nation.” During the inspections, digital devices, documents and other material were seized and examined.

The police described the operation as part of a broader effort to dismantle the so-called “terror support ecosystem” in the Valley. They said the action aims to prevent any conspiratorial or unlawful acts that might disturb peace and public order. The operations, they added, are being carried out under strict legal procedures to ensure transparency and accountability.

This crackdown follows recent sweeping raids across Kashmir. Throughout November, police have carried out searches at hundreds of locations alleged to be linked to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), based on intelligence indicating attempts to revive its activities under new fronts.

According to officials, these operations targeted residences of associates and over-ground workers (OGWs), leading to seizures of incriminating material, digital devices and documents.

The latest masjid and madrasa inspections in Srinagar are part of this continuing preventive campaign. Police have stated that such actions will continue wherever “credible inputs” indicate the presence of individuals or material linked to terror or radicalised activities.

Authorities have also appealed to citizens to cooperate with investigations and report any suspicious activity.

Given the scale and scope of the operations, the crackdown underscores a renewed push by security forces in Kashmir to root out not only active militancy, but also support networks and radicalising influences at the grassroots level.