Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar
Srinagar, Sep 12: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches at 10 locations across Jammu and Kashmir in connection with a cross-border terror conspiracy allegedly involving Pakistan-based handlers of proscribed terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and their network of local Over Ground Workers (OGWs).
The searches were carried out at locations in Kupwara, Kulgam, Bandipora, Baramulla and Sopore to gather further evidence related to the alleged conspiracy and ascertain the roles of individuals suspected of providing logistical and other support to infiltrated terrorists.
NIA teams were assisted by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) during the searches.
The case was initially registered as FIR No. 0024/2026 at Zakoora Police Station in Srinagar and was subsequently re-registered by the NIA as RC-02/2026/NIA/JMU under Section 23 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, Sections 7 and 25 of the Arms Act, 1959, and Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.
The investigation began following the arrest of an alleged LeT-linked OGW at a checkpoint during the late-night hours of March 31. A hand grenade and live ammunition were allegedly recovered from his possession.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Pakistani nationals allegedly linked to the conspiracy and helped investigators identify suspected members and roles within the local support network.
According to the NIA, the investigation so far has indicated alleged links between Pakistan-based LeT handlers and their local associates, who were purportedly being used for communication, movement and concealment of infiltrated terrorists, besides providing shelter, conducting reconnaissance and facilitating other logistical requirements.
The agency is also examining the financial trail, communication channels, movements of the accused and the source and supply chain of arms and explosives to establish the complete network and determine the extent of its activities.
The searches conducted on Saturday form part of the NIA’s continuing probe into the larger alleged conspiracy and the support mechanism facilitating cross-border terrorism.
During the searches, investigators seized or secured material allegedly relevant to the case. The material is being examined and corroborated with other evidence gathered during the investigation, the agency said.
The NIA said its investigation would continue to identify all persons allegedly involved in the conspiracy and establish their respective roles. Further legal action, including arrests and recoveries, may follow depending on the outcome of the probe.
The anti-terror agency has been conducting searches across Jammu and Kashmir as part of investigations into alleged terror financing, conspiracies and militant networks.
Such operations have covered multiple districts across the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region, including Srinagar, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara, Sopore, Bandipora and Kishtwar.
The investigations have focused on alleged OGW networks, terror financing, hybrid militants and premises linked to proscribed organisations, including Jamaat-e-Islami.
The NIA has also investigated several high-profile cases in Jammu and Kashmir involving alleged terror financing, cross-border conspiracies and attacks, including the Red Fort car blast case of November 10, 2025, and the June 9, 2024 Reasi pilgrim attack case.