NIA raids 32 places across J&K linked to hybrid terror networks

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday carried out raids at 32 locations across Jammu and Kashmir in a crackdown on hybrid terrorists and overground workers linked to Pakistan-backed offshoots of proscribed terror outfits.

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The raids targeted operatives associated with groups such as The Resistance Front (TRF), United Liberation Front Jammu & Kashmir (ULFJ&K), Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind (MGH), Kashmir Tigers, J&K Freedom Fighters (JKFF) and PAAF —offshoots affiliated with banned organisations like Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Al-Badr.

According to officials, those under the scanner were involved in facilitating terrorist activities, including the distribution of sticky bombs, IEDs, narcotics, arms and funds. They were also aiding in radicalising local youth and mobilising overground workers to disrupt peace and communal harmony in the region.

“Investigations have revealed that Pakistan-based handlers are using social media and encrypted apps to coordinate and promote terror activities,” an official said.

The probe also found the use of drones to deliver weapons, explosives and narcotics to operatives in the Valley.

The raids led to the recovery of two live cartridges, a fired bullet head, a bayonet and multiple digital devices carrying large volumes of incriminating data. These will now undergo detailed forensic scrutiny to unravel the wider terror network, officials added.