NIA searches multiple locations in Kashmir Valley in IED case

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 21

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) today said it had carried out searches at eight locations in the Valley in connection with the recovery of IED in Jammu on June 27.

In an official statement, the NIA said its personnel, along with the police and the CRPF, conducted searches at eight locations in Anantnag, Baramulla, Kulgam, Srinagar, Doda and Kishtwar districts. Many digital devices and other incriminating material were seized.

“The investigation revealed that Pakistan-based handlers of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and their associates based in J&K were planning terrorist activities in the UT using the pseudo-acronym The Resistance Front (TRF) so as to maintain plausible deniability and evade identity,” officials said.

The case was initially registered on June 27 at Bahu Fort police station in Jammu relating to recovery of 5-kg IED from an LeT terrorist in Bathindi, Jammu, on the same day. “The LeT conspiracy was aimed at causing explosion in Jammu using the IED,” it added.

Further investigation in the case continues, a spokesperson said.

The NIA took over the investigation on July 19. The incident came to light after an attack on Indian Air Force (IAF) base on June 27 in which two personnel were injured. The attack was carried out by Pakistan-based terrorists with the help of drones, which dropped the payload.

Explosives found

• Security forces averted a major incident with the detection of an IED in Gogo, Budgam, on Tuesday
• The area is close to several sensitive installations, including Srinagar airport, headquarters of J&K Light Infantry, etc