Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar
Srinagar, May 25: National Investigation Agency on Monday conducted searches across the Kashmir Valley as part of an ongoing terror-funding investigation linked to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), targeting educational institutions and the residence of a former JeI chief.
The searches were carried out at three locations in Srinagar and Shopian districts, where investigators reportedly recovered incriminating financial documents and electronic devices suspected to be connected to the activities of Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliated trusts and organisations in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to official sources, NIA teams searched Darul Uloom Sirajul Uloom in the Imam Sahib area of Shopian district. The institution had reportedly been declared an illegal entity last month.
The agency also raided the residence of former Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shahzada Aurangzeb in the Molu Chitragam area of Shopian.
Another search operation was conducted at Jamiat ul Banaat located in Lal Bazar area of Srinagar.
The raids are part of the NIA’s probe into alleged separatist and secessionist activities linked to Jamaat-e-Islami, which has been declared an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
According to the agency, investigations have revealed that Jamaat-e-Islami was allegedly involved in collecting funds domestically and internationally in the name of charity, welfare, health and education activities.
The NIA alleged that the funds were diverted towards violent and secessionist activities and channelled to banned terror outfits, including Hizbul Mujahideen, through organised networks of cadres.
The agency further claimed that the organisation was involved in radicalising and recruiting Kashmiri youth as “Rukuns” or members to promote separatist activities in the Valley.
Investigators suspect the network operated through a structured system aimed at sustaining terror-linked and secessionist operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
The NIA said the investigation is continuing as part of efforts to dismantle the alleged terror ecosystem and curb separatist activities linked to the outfit in the region.