Srinagar — In one of the most extensive security crackdowns witnessed in recent years, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday carried out widespread raids at nearly 500 sites across the Kashmir Valley. These searches targeted individuals linked to terrorist networks, overground workers, and members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), following fresh intelligence inputs.
According to officials, security agencies received credible reports that elements associated with JeI were attempting to quietly revive organizational structures through covert channels. Acting on the intel, simultaneous raids were launched across all 10 districts of the Valley—including Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara, Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam.
The operation was aimed at breaking the ideological, logistical, and financial support systems that sustain terrorism in the region. In Srinagar alone, over 150 locations were searched, mostly belonging to suspected overground workers and individuals booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
South Kashmir’s Kulgam district witnessed one of the most intensive actions, with more than 200 sites raided over the last four days. Security forces also conducted over 400 cordon-and-search operations, questioning nearly 500 people. Several individuals have been detained or bound down under preventive measures.
In north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, particularly in Sopore, Zaingeer, and Rafiabad, police teams raided around 30 premises. A large cache of incriminating documents, digital storage devices, and material linked to proscribed groups was seized. Multiple suspects were taken in for questioning.
Parallel operations were executed in Pulwama, Awantipora, and Ganderbal, where authorities recovered propaganda material, digital gadgets, and literature associated with the banned organization. A number of persons believed to be working for JeI networks were questioned or placed under restrictions.
Officials emphasised that these actions are part of a broader, intelligence-led strategy to prevent the revival of banned outfits and curb attempts to spread radical narratives at the ground level.
“We are engaging with business communities and transporters to bolster local vigilance. Public cooperation is crucial for maintaining stability,” a senior police officer said.
Authorities have urged residents and shopkeepers to install CCTV cameras and support the security grid. Enhanced checking points have been established at bus terminals, railway stations, and major marketplaces. Additional Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) have also been deployed at sensitive locations.
The heightened alert has extended beyond the Valley to Samba, Kathua, and Reasi districts. Security has been tightened at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and its base camp in Katra.
Patrolling has increased along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway and key railway routes. Across Kashmir, security agencies continue preventative missions to ensure peace and deter any potential unrest.
Report by ” The Kashmir Observer “