Intensifying its ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted simultaneous searches at seven residential premises across the Kashmir Valley on Saturday. The raids are part of an extensive probe into a cross-border terror plot involving the proscribed terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). According to officials, the conspiracy entails Pakistan-based handlers operating in coordination with a local network of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) to facilitate subversive activities in the region.
Simultaneous Operations Across Three Kashmir Districts
The coordinated search operations spanned three districts in the Valley. Officials focused on two locations in Kulgam district, three sites in Bandipora district, and two places in the Sopore area of Baramulla district. The NIA teams carried out the searches with active support from the local police and security personnel. All search sites were targeted as part of the agency's probe linked to registered case RC-02/2026/NIA/JMU, aiming to uncover physical and digital evidence tied to the terror network.
Case Traced Back to Zakoora Checkpoint Interception
The origins of this investigation trace back to an incident on March 31, 2026. During late-night checking at a police checkpoint near Zakoora, located on the outskirts of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir Police intercepted a motorcycle rider. A search of the suspect led to the recovery of a live hand grenade along with live ammunition.
Subsequent verification identified the individual as an alleged Over Ground Worker associated with LeT. Local police initially registered FIR No. 24/2026 at Zakoora Police Station. Recognizing the broader ramifications and cross-border linkages, the NIA later took over the case, re-registering it as RC-02/2026/NIA/JMU for a comprehensive federal probe.
Strict Legal Provisions and Scope of Conspiracy
The investigation has invoked several stringent statutory provisions. Charges have been framed under Section 23 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, Sections 7 and 25 of the Arms Act, 1959, and Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908. Evidence collected so far points to a structured network wherein handlers based in Pakistan issued direct instructions to local conduits.
These local OGWs were allegedly responsible for providing infiltration assistance, logistical support, safe hideouts, reconnaissance (recce), and secure communication channels to active terrorists entering the region. Pakistani nationals linked to the conspiracy have previously been arrested in connection with the case, and the operational roles of several local support members have been identified.
Ongoing Measures to Neutralize Support Infrastructure
Saturday's multi-district searches underline the federal agency's focus on systematically dismantling the remaining terror support eco-system in Kashmir. This action follows an earlier round of raids where the NIA searched 10 locations across Jammu and Kashmir under a related terror conspiracy case. Officials confirmed that further investigative procedures are actively underway and additional developments are anticipated as the evidence is analyzed.
