NIA conducts raids across J-K in Jamaat-e-Islami terror funding case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) continued searches in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday in the case of terror funding by Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir, which is an illegal association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Earlier on May 11, the Central Anti-Terrorism Bureau conducted searches in the Jammu and Kashmir districts of Budgam and Baramulla. The NIA searched 16 locations in Jammu and Kashmir on May 4 as part of its ongoing crackdown on terror funding in Jammu and Kashmir in the case involving separatist and secessionist activities of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami.

Even after being declared an unlawful association under the UA(P) Act on February 28, 2019, Jamaat-e-Islami was discovered carrying out terror funding activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

On May 12, 2022, the NIA filed a chargesheet in the case in a Special Court at Patiala House in New Delhi against four accused. On February 5, 2021, it had previously filed a suo motu case in the matter.

The NIA searched the homes of Jamaat-e-Islami (J&K) members and supporters in 16 locations on May 4, including 11 in District Baramulla in Kashmir valley and the remaining five in District Kishtwar in Jammu region.

Several incriminating materials and digital devices were seized during the searches and are being analysed for more information in the case. So far, NIA investigations have revealed that Jamaat-e-Islami (J&K) members have been collecting funds both domestically and internationally through donations for ostensibly charitable purposes such as education and health promotion.

“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 Jamaat-e-Islami cadres,” said the NIA.

According to the investigations, Jamaat-e-Islami was also involved in motivating Kashmir’s impressionable youth and recruiting new members (Rukuns) in J&K for violent, disruptive, and secessionist activities.

Previous NIA investigations revealed that one of the four arrested accused, Javaid Ahmad Lone, had been soliciting funds and organising meetings under the guise of Jamaat-e-Islami (J&K). At these meetings, he had been delivering hateful anti-India speeches and exhorting people to donate.

Along with Aadil Ahmad Lone, he had obtained firearms and ammunition from the other two accused, Manzoor Ahmad Dar and Rameez Ahmad Kondu, with ulterior motives.