Srinagar, Nov 01: Marking a significant surge towards a terror free J&K, the J&K Police, State Investigation Agency (SIA) observed its second anniversary with a remarkable achievement of imposing a significant decline in terrorism within the Jammu and Kashmir region.
Established on November 1, 2021, as part of a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy, the SIA’s primary mission was to investigate and prosecute terrorism-related cases in Jammu and Kashmir. It was also designated as the central coordinating agency for collaboration with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other national security organizations.
The SIA regards itself as a dedicated ally and integral part of the country’s anti-terror law enforcement community. It has consistently provided substantial support in key cases to India’s national investigating agencies such as the NIA, CBI, and ED. This collaboration has strengthened India’s overall counter terrorism efforts.
Over the past two years, the agency has registered 45 cases and taken over an additional 12 cases from other police stations in J&K for further investigation. It has successfully charged 31 cases, leading to the arrest and prosecution of 99 individuals involved in various acts of terrorism, espionage, terror financing, narco-terrorism, and minority killings.
The SIA has also made important breakthroughs, exposing the methods and larger criminal conspiracies behind financing terrorism through narcotics proceeds and cryptocurrencies. Additionally, the agency has played a crucial role in investigating cases related to the misuse of SIM cards for unlawful activities, revealing vulnerabilities in the SIM issuance process.
In a notable achievement, the SIA arrested nine individuals involved in terror financing through a hawala network, with connections to terrorist sympathizers in J&K operating through Dubai and using crypto wallets.
The agency successfully dismantled a narco-terror module, uncovering a larger criminal conspiracy orchestrated by a woman associated with a proscribed terrorist organization. The investigation revealed cross-LOC narcotics and drug smuggling with the active support of entities hostile to India.
Furthermore, the SIA apprehended a mole within the security forces who was providing critical information and documents to terrorist organizations and agencies in Pakistan, aiding secessionist groups in waging war against India.
In an effort to curb the terror ecosystem, the SIA conducted raids at 166 locations throughout Jammu and Kashmir and took legal action to attach properties used for anti-national activities, significantly weakening the logistics of the unlawful association, Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI).
The SIA remains committed to delivering justice in all terror-related incidents, including the ongoing investigation of a three-decade-old case involving the murder of Neel Kanth Ganjoo.
The agency has also uncovered money laundering activities, resulting in the registration of a criminal case involving more than Rs. 85 crore. Efforts are ongoing to bring those involved to justice and uncover the broader network behind these activities.
Posing a significant blow to terror financing, the SIA froze INR 1,21,84,382 in 134 bank accounts believed to be proceeds of crime and seized INR 5,19,86,810 in cash. Pakistani currency worth 9,820 and 15,000 US dollars were also confiscated.
The SIA initiated a special drive to trace absconders of terrorism-related cases, including old TADA and POTA cases, with 369 of 734 identified absconders being verified and 82 located.
The agency took action against high-profile terror sympathizers operating internationally by suspending seven passports, impounding two passports, and issuing 17 lookout circulars (LoCs).
For the first time in Jammu and Kashmir, the SIA issued three black notices through INTERPOL for the identification of the bodies of deceased Pakistani terrorists.
The agency made progress in uncovering the involvement of an ex-MLA from a regional political party in facilitating the transportation of a Hizb ul Mujahideen Divisional Commander to Pakistan, using forged travel and identity documents.
Through its investigations and inquiries, the SIA revealed the intricate methods employed by Pakistan-based terror handlers to generate funds from the sale of seats in professional courses in Pakistan-based institutions for students from Kashmir, diverting these funds into terrorist and secessionist activities in J&K.
In its two years of existence, SIA J&K has exceeded expectations and left a significant impact on the security landscape of the region. The agency remains committed to safeguarding the peace and security of the nation, with a mission to achieve zero terrorism in J&K and the entire country.
The SIA is poised to continue its mission by ensuring professional and high-quality investigations in terrorism-related cases and dismantling the overground worker network of terrorists within and outside the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, with the ultimate goal of eradicating terrorism completely.
