Massive Crackdown on Banned Jamaat-e-Islami: J&K Police Raid Over 200 Locations Following Delhi Terror Blast

Srinagar:

Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces announced on Wednesday that extensive crackdowns have been executed against banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) members throughout the Valley following the Delhi terror blast that resulted in eight fatalities and numerous injuries.

Intelligence agencies attribute the Delhi blast to panic by Dr. Mohd Umar while driving an i20 car rather than a suicide attack.

However, the fact that Dr. Umar fled after colleagues involved in white collar terrorism were apprehended suggests the module intended to execute a significant terrorist operation.

According to police statements on Wednesday, authorities in Kulgam district conducted synchronized raids at over 200 locations across the district in a massive operation against the banned JeI organization.

These searches targeted homes and properties of JeI members and associates as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorism-supporting networks and neutralize their grassroots influence.

Police reported that during just the past four days, more than 400 Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) have been implemented throughout various areas of the district, including sites previously connected to encounters, militant hideouts, and Over Ground Workers (OGWs).

In another major coordinated effort, Sopore Police executed a series of search operations across multiple locations in Sopore district, targeting individuals and premises linked to the JeI, which has been banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Police stated that in this district-wide counter-terror and anti-separatist operation, simultaneous raids were conducted at over 25 locations across Sopore, Zaingeer, and Rafiabad areas with assistance from other security forces.

The searches were based on reliable intelligence indicating attempts by JeI-linked elements to revive their activities under different fronts.

"During the operations, a significant quantity of incriminating material, including documents, digital gadgets, and printed content with links to the banned organisation, was recovered and seized for detailed scrutiny. Several individuals are being questioned to ascertain their involvement in unlawful activities," police reported.

Police in Anantnag district revealed that approximately 500 individuals with connections to banned organizations, including JeI and relatives of JKNOPs (J&K natives operating from Pakistan), have been interrogated so far. Many reportedly have been bound down and transferred to District Jail Mattan in Anantnag under preventive detention laws.

During the raids, authorities seized incriminating documents, digital devices, and other evidential materials. Several JeI members were also questioned to trace broader networks allegedly supporting terrorists.

In Shopian district, police conducted searches at multiple locations, targeting residences of JeI activists. Police reported that the homes of Dr. Hameed Fayaz at Naidgam and Mohammad Yousuf Falahie at Chitragam, among others, were searched during the operation.

The searches were conducted as part of ongoing investigations in the area.