Police raids continue across Valley to probe activities of banned groups

Police conducted multiple raids across the Kashmir Valley on Thursday as part of renewed action against those associated with several proscribed organisations. Officials said fresh raids were carried out in Srinagar, Ganderbal, Shopian, and Baramulla districts.

Baramulla Police have registered a case against the Jammu and Kashmir Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen (JKIM), which was found involved in activities posing a serious threat to the integrity and sovereignty of the nation. “Despite the ban, credible intelligence indicates that certain leaders and members of JKIM continue to engage in anti-national activities. They have been actively instigating the public against the nation, spreading misinformation and hatred,” police officials said.

In Srinagar, police searched the residential premises of separatist elements suspected of involvement in unlawful activities threatening public order and national security. During the operations, law enforcement officials seized incriminating material linked to the activities of these banned groups, the officials added.

In South Kashmir’s Shopian district, police conducted a raid targeting individuals associated with the banned separatist organisation Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), headed by jailed leader Shabir Ahmad Shah.

Amid this renewed crackdown, several separatists have publicly claimed to have severed ties with such elements.

Sources said that the fresh raids are part of a broader effort to ensure that no unlawful activity is taking place on the ground. “There are clear instructions from the top leadership not to allow any kind of separatist activity anywhere in Kashmir. Through these raids, we aim to neutralise any networks that could threaten peace and stability,” a senior J&K officer said.

Officials further stated that instructions have been issued to expedite investigations into cases already registered against separatists under the UAPA.

Since the Union Government intensified its crackdown on separatist activities following the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, several separatist leaders and even their family members have publicly disassociated themselves from the movement.