The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at 15 locations in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab on Tuesday. According to a statement released by the anti-terror agency on Wednesday, the raid was held in connection with the terror conspiracy hatched by Pakistan-based proscribed organisations to radicalize youth of the Union Territory and target members of minority communities, security personnel and religious events and activities, reported news agency ANI.
Sleuths from the National Investigation Agency raided 14 locations spread across six districts - Srinagar, Baramulla, Pulwama, Anantnag, Budgam and Kathua - in Jammu and Kashmir. One location in Punjab, Fatehgarh Sahib, was raided by the investigating agency.
Accompanied by police and CRPF personnel, the NIA raided premises of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and cadres of various proscribed outfits and their affiliates, reported ANI.
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"Twelve suspects were identified who were in touch with different Pakistan-based handlers," said NIA in its statement to the media.
Searches related to the 12 suspects were conducted at 11 locations spread across Srinagar, Baramulla, Pulwama, Anantnag, Budgam and Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir and Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab on Tuesday.
During the raid, NIA sleuths seized digital devices and incriminating material from the locations, said the anti-terror agency, as reported by ANI. Further investigations in the case are in progress, according to the NIA statement.
A suo-moto case was registered against OGWs and cadres of various proscribed outfits and their affiliates and off-shoots operating under various pseudo names on the orders of their Pakistani commanders and handlers in June last year by NIA, reported ANI.
In follow up operations in 2022, searches were conducted at 14 locations in 6 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar, Baramula, Pulwama, Anantnag, Budgam and Kathua, the NIA said in its statement.