SANJAY PANDITA
Early Times Report
Jammu, May 25: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday carried out searches at multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir as part of its ongoing investigation into a terror funding case linked to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), recovering several incriminating financial documents and electronic devices suspected to be connected with the outfit’s activities.
According to officials, NIA teams launched the searches early in the morning following specific intelligence inputs regarding individuals allegedly associated with the proscribed organisation. The raids were conducted at three locations in Srinagar and Shopian districts of Kashmir Valley.
In a statement, the NIA said the searches led to the seizure of a number of financial records, electronic gadgets, and other materials believed to be linked to the activities of Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliated trusts and associations operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
The agency said the action was part of its continuing investigation into the separatist and secessionist activities of JeI, which was declared an unlawful association under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The NIA stated that its investigations have so far revealed that the banned organisation was allegedly involved in collecting funds and using them to support terrorist and separatist activities in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country.
According to the agency, funds were allegedly mobilised from both domestic and international sources under the guise of donations meant for charitable, educational, and welfare activities.
“Investigations have revealed that Jamaat-e-Islami was engaged in collecting funds domestically and internationally in the name of charity and welfare initiatives, including health and education. These funds were allegedly diverted towards violent and secessionist activities and channelled to proscribed terrorist organisations, including Hizbul Mujahideen, through a well-organised network of cadres,” the NIA said.
Officials said the investigation is focused on tracing financial transactions, identifying the network of operatives involved, and uncovering the channels through which funds were allegedly routed to support anti-national activities.
The agency further claimed that the conspiracy extended beyond terror financing and included efforts to radicalise and recruit impressionable Kashmiri youth into the organisation's ranks.
According to the NIA, the outfit allegedly worked to enlist new members, known as Rukuns, and used its organisational structure to promote separatist ideology and further secessionist objectives in the region.
Investigators are examining documents and digital evidence seized during the searches to establish the extent of the network and identify individuals who may have played a role in facilitating the organisation’s activities.
The NIA said the latest searches form part of a broader effort to dismantle the financial and organisational infrastructure of banned terror-linked entities operating in Jammu and Kashmir. |