CIK searches eight locations in Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 20: The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) has launched a massive crackdown against the terror-linked network masquerading as social activists in the Valley.
According to a statement, the spokesman said that the searches were conducted by CIK at multiple locations across Kashmir in connection with a case under FIR number 03/2023 under section 505 IPC, 153-A IPC and Sections 13 & 18 of UA (P) Act of Police Station CIK Srinagar.
The searches were carried out after obtaining search warrants from the Court of Special Judge, designated under NIA Act, Srinagar.
“The case was registered on a credible input received by CIK wherein it had emerged that certain individuals in J&K, under the cloak of social activism, were misusing platforms connected to mass media, social media, human rights, environment, and women empowerment for activities detrimental to the sovereignty and security of the State. Discreet information indicated their suspected links with secessionist organizations and proscribed terrorist outfits,” it reads.
The spokesman said that inputs further revealed that some of these users were suspected to be in contact with Pakistan-based terror handlers through encrypted messaging applications. “They were found to be involved in spreading false narratives, radicalizing youth and attempting to disturb public order and peace in J&K.”
Eight locations across Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kupwara, Handwara and Shopian were identified and subsequently searched. “During these searches, seven suspects were detained for questioning. Incriminating digital evidence having bearing on the investigation was seized,” the spokesman said.
The raids have successfully disrupted a dangerous ecosystem operating under the facade of social activism but serving terror interests. The seized digital evidence is expected to reveal deeper footprints of the conspiracy, and further arrests cannot be ruled out, the statement reads, adding that investigation is on to unearth the full scale of the conspiracy, identify other operatives, and expose the suspected communication chains with handlers across the border.
“Today’s action signals a zero-tolerance approach against those attempting to camouflage terror-linked activities as legitimate civil society initiatives. CIK stresses that such elements not only endanger peace but also act as force multipliers for cross-border terrorism. With investigation gaining momentum, fresh revelations about the covert operations of these pseudo-activist networks, Social Media users, many of whom had been attempting to infiltrate public discourse under noble causes while serving anti-national agendas, are expected,” the spokesman said.