Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday detained more than 50 individuals across several districts for their alleged involvement in anti-state activities, officials said.
The coordinated raids were carried out in Budgam, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, and Shopian districts, as part of intensified operations to dismantle terror networks in the Valley.
In central Kashmir’s Budgam district, police cracked down on the separatist network of US-based lobbyist Ghulam Nabi Fai, who has been declared a proclaimed offender by an NIA court.
“Budgam Police conducted multiple searches to target Fai’s network,” a police spokesperson said, adding that the accused has been booked under various sections of the UAPA and Section 66 of the IT Act.
Fai, who heads the Washington-based Kashmiri American Council (KAC) allegedly backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is accused of promoting Pakistan’s propaganda on Kashmir.
“The Court of Special Judge NIA, Budgam, declared him a proclaimed offender on April 30, 2025. Proceedings for attachment of his properties are also underway,” the spokesperson said.
During the Budgam operation, multiple houses were searched and several people were detained for questioning. Police also intensified action against J&K Nationals Operating from Pakistan/PoK (JKNOPs) and SIM card vendors suspected of facilitating terror communications.
In Ganderbal, police conducted raids at several locations linked to JKNOPs, detaining 39 individuals who were subsequently lodged in Dignibal Jail after credible intelligence indicated their involvement in activities threatening public order and security. Digital devices and incriminating material were seized and sent for forensic examination.
In south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, police focused on overground workers (OGWs), UAPA and PSA accused, sympathisers, and relatives of active or killed terrorists—particularly in areas that had witnessed encounters. Eight individuals were detained under preventive laws.
Similar actions were reported in Baramulla, where 16 properties linked to Pakistan or PoK-based Kashmiris were searched. Ten individuals were bound down under preventive measures, while 23 locations associated with OGWs were raided, resulting in 16 more detentions.
Additionally, six properties belonging to UAPA-accused individuals currently on bail were searched, and five OGWs were bound down.
Police also questioned 11 SIM card vendors to ensure adherence to subscriber verification norms and curb misuse of telecom services.
As part of the security drive, 175 vehicles were checked at strategic checkpoints along highways and vital routes, and 32 Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) were conducted across the district.
In Anantnag, police raided the residence of a JKNOP in Lal Chowk and conducted searches in the Kheribal area. Similar operations were held in Shopian and Pulwama, where even the Special Jail (Correctional Home) was searched, officials added.
