NIA searches 16 locations in Jamat terror funding case

Srinagar: As part of its continuing crackdown on terror funding in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted searches at multiple locations in a case related to separatist and secessionist activities of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI).

JeI has been found carrying out terror funding activities in Jammu and Kashmir, even after being declared an unlawful association under the UA(P) Act on 28th February 2019, the spokesperson of NIA said.

NIA had filed a chargesheet in the case in Special Court, Patiala House, New Delhi, on May 12, 2022 against four accused. It had earlier registered a suo motu case in the matter on February 5, 2021.

The searches were conducted today at the premises of JeI (J&K) members and supporters, at 16 locations, including 11 in District Baramulla in Kashmir valley and the remaining 5 located in District Kishtwar in Jammu region, the spokesperson said

“Several incriminating materials and digital devices were seized during the searches and were being examined for more clues in the case,” it added.

NIA said its investigations so far have revealed that JeI (J&K) members had been collecting funds domestically and from abroad through donations, particularly in the form of Zakat, Mow’ooda and Bait-ul-Mal, as well as for purported charitable purposes, such as promotion of education and health.

” The funds were, instead, being used for violent and secessionist activities in J&K. They were also being channelled to proscribed terrorist organisations, such as Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and others through well organised networks of JeI cadres,” the spokesperson said.

“Further, as per the investigations, JeI was also engaged in motivating impressionable youth of Kashmir and recruiting new members (Rukuns) in J&K for carrying out violent, disruptive and secessionist activities,” it added.

NIA said previous investigations by the agency had revealed that one of the four arrested accused, identified as Javaid Ahmad Lone, had been soliciting funds and organising meetings in the name of JeI, J&K.

“He had been delivering hateful anti-India speeches and exhorting people to make donations at these meetings. Along with Aadil Ahmad Lone, he had also acquired firearms and ammunition with ulterior motives from the other two accused, identified as Manzoor Ahmad Dar and Rameez Ahmad Kondu,” it added.

UNI