Properties of 5 PoK-based Hizbul terrorists seized in Ramban

Jammu and Kashmir Police has seized immovable properties of five operatives of the proscribed terrorist group Hizbul Mujahideen in the Gool area of Ramban district, an official spokesperson said on Friday.

The five terrorists -- Saraj Din (48) of Sangaldan, Reyaz Ahmed (45) of Dalwah, Farooq Ahmed (46) of Banj Bhimdassa, and Mohd Ashraf (50) and Mushtaq Ahmed (47) of Moila -- have crossed over to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and are operating from there, he said.

They were trying to sell these assets to fund militant activities, he said.

An official spokesperson said, “In a significant step towards dismantling terror networks and preventing the resurgence of militancy, the J&K Police have seized immovable properties of five ex-filtrated terrorists in the Gool area of Ramban. The action was taken under the orders of SDPO Gool, prohibiting any transfer, lease, disposal, or alteration of the properties without prior approval from law enforcement authorities”.

According to police, the five terrorists crossed over to PoK to receive arms training and carry out militant activities in India.

Intelligence reports suggested that they were attempting to sell their immovable properties in Jammu and Kashmir with the intention of using the proceeds to finance terrorist activities and lure local youth into militancy, the spokesperson said.

He added the seizure of the properties will have multi-pronged effect on the terror eco-system. “The move will disrupts financial support for militants and put pressure on families of ex-filtrated terrorists and discourage them to provide indirect support to their activities.

The action serves as a warning to individuals with extremist leanings, discouraging them from aiding or abetting terrorism. By restricting financial incentives for terror groups, the move weakens their ability to manipulate and recruit vulnerable youth,” the spokesperson said.

The J&K administration has been proactively cracking down on terror funding, OGW networks, and ex-filtrated terrorists under stringent laws. “Similar actions in recent years have significantly weakened the terror ecosystem by blocking financial inflows, neutralising OGW support and dismantling sleeper cells,” the spokesperson said.

“The J&K police and security forces continue to appeal to misguided youth to shun militancy and join the mainstream. With a shrinking support network, lack of funding, and increased surveillance, the survival of militant outfits is becoming increasingly difficult. The government’s rehabilitation policies provide opportunities for those willing to surrender and reintegrate into society,” he added.