SIA raids 21 sites across Kashmir valley in massive crackdown on terror network, no arrests yet

The State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Saturday launched extensive anti-terror raids at 21 locations across Jammu and Kashmir in connection with ongoing investigations into terror-related activities. The coordinated operation targeted locations in Srinagar, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Handwara, Sopore, and Baramulla, and is part of a broader effort to dismantle terror networks, particularly in the aftermath of the April 22 attack in Pahalgam.

According to official sources, the raids were carried out with assistance from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and were conducted in the presence of executive magistrates. The operation is focused on suspects believed to be over-ground workers (OGWs) and sympathisers of terrorist outfits. Officials stated that no arrests or seizures have been made so far and a detailed statement will be issued upon the conclusion of the searches.

The accused individuals under investigation are reportedly linked to a larger terror conspiracy involving sleeper cells in contact with handlers across the border. These suspects are said to have used encrypted communication platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal to share sensitive information about security forces and critical infrastructure. The raids are intended to gather evidence and identify those providing support to terrorist operations in the region.

These searches follow a similar operation conducted on May 11 when SIA raided 20 locations in Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian. Officials suspect that the networks being probed are connected to recent acts of violence in south Kashmir. In the past three days, six terrorists were killed in encounters in the Keller area of Shopian and the Nadar area of Tral in Pulwama. Among those killed was Shahid Kuttay, who had been involved in major attacks, including the killing of a sarpanch in Shopian and a firing incident involving German tourists in 2023.

The SIA is also known to have investigated high-profile terror cases in the past, including the murder of advocate Babar Qadri in 2020. In that case, charge sheets were filed against several individuals, including former bar association president Mian Qayoom, and others from various parts of Srinagar and Kupwara. The current operations are being closely monitored, and further action is expected based on findings from the ongoing raids.