The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted raids across multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir as part of its crackdown on the proscribed Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) in a terror funding case.
According to a spokesperson, NIA teams raided five locations in Srinagar, three in Budgam, two in Kulgam, one in Anantnag, and four in Jammu. Incriminating documents and digital devices linked to JeI and its related Trusts in J&K were seized during the searches, along with the recovery of over 20 lakh rupees in cash.
The statement highlighted that NIA investigations revealed that JeI and its members continued promoting terrorist and secessionist activities in J&K even after the outfit was banned under the UA(P) Act in February 2019.
The banned organisation collected funds through donations from within India and abroad, such as Zakat, Mowda, and Bait-ul-Mal, ostensibly for charity and welfare activities. However, these funds were funnelled to violent and secessionist purposes, including support for other proscribed terrorist organisations like Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Moreover, JeI was found to be involved in recruiting new members and motivating youth to further its nefarious and secessionist agenda. The NIA had previously charged four accused persons in the case, with investigations ongoing.
The JeI is one of the largest Islamic and social organisations in Kashmir and has been active for decades. The organisation ran dozens of schools, Falah-e-Aaam which were shut down in the early 90s by the government.
