SRINAGAR, Mar 26: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday raided the residences of several prominent separatist leaders, including a former Hurriyat chairman, as part of an ongoing crackdown on banned organizations.
The searches came a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that separatism had become a thing of the past in Kashmir, following the distancing of two Hurriyat leaders from separatist activities.
Police conducted extensive raids across multiple locations in Srinagar and Sopore, targeting individuals connected to cases filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These cases are linked to proscribed groups such as the Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference (Bhat Group), the Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League (Masrat Alam Group), and the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (Shabir Shah Group).
The raids primarily focused on individuals suspected of involvement in these banned outfits, with the police investigating cases that were registered last year in various Srinagar police stations.
Searches were carried out at the residences of former Hurriyat chairman Professor Abdul Gani Bhat in Botingoo, Sopore, and his Srinagar residences in Wazir Bagh and Rajbagh. Police also raided the residence of jailed separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah.
In addition, police searched seven other locations across Srinagar, targeting individuals allegedly engaged in unlawful activities, including jailed leaders Masrat Alam Bhat and Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, also known as Gugga Sahib, among others.
The police confirmed that all searches were conducted after securing warrants from the Special Judge designated under the NIA Act in Srinagar. In accordance with legal procedures, the raids were carried out in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses.
“The investigation aims to dismantle the remnants of the secessionist and terrorist ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir by identifying and taking legal action against individuals engaged in such activities,” said a police spokesperson.
Tags: Northlines, Jammu and Kashmir
