NIA raids 32 locations across Kashmir in terror-funding conspiracy case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday carried out searches at 32 locations across Jammu and Kashmir in connection with a 2022 terror conspiracy case. The raids were conducted with the assistance of Jammu and Kashmir Police and central paramilitary forces in districts including Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, Baramulla (Sopore), and Kupwara.

Officials said that multiple locations were searched in the Reban area of Shopian district; Nildoora and Chak-e-Choland in Kulgam; Manzgam, Devsar, Sonigam and Bugam in Pulwama; Sopore in Baramulla and various areas in Kupwara. The operation targeted overground workers (OGWs) allegedly linked to several banned terrorist organisations based in Pakistan and their offshoots operating in the Valley.

According to the NIA, the raids are part of investigations into a case registered on June 21, 2022, concerning a conspiracy to conduct terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir using improvised explosive devices (IEDs), sticky bombs, and small arms. The case involves groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizbul Mujahideen, The Resistance Front (TRF), United Liberation Front Jammu & Kashmir (ULFJ&K), Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind (MGH), Jammu & Kashmir Freedom Fighters (JKFF), Kashmir Tigers, PAAF, and others.

Officials clarified that the ongoing searches are not linked to the April 22, 2024, terror attack in Pahalgam. That attack is being investigated separately by the NIA. As of the latest update, no official confirmation has been provided on arrests or seizures made during Thursday’s operations. A formal statement from the agency is expected following the conclusion of the raids.

The 2022 case is one of several terror-related investigations in the Union Territory that the NIA is currently handling. These include high-profile cases involving attacks on civilians and security personnel, as well as cases against separatist leaders and other accused in funding and conspiracy charges.