Police carry out valley-wide raids on banned JeI network

Officials say electronic devices, documents seized to ‘curb radicalisation’

Srinagar, Nov 27: Jammu & Kashmir Police on Thursday conducted a series of coordinated searches across the Valley at multiple residential and commercial premises linked to individuals and institutions allegedly associated with Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), as part of an ongoing security exercise to maintain public order.

Officials informed that the searches formed part of a continuing effort to identify and prevent activities considered detrimental to the region’s security and stability.

In Srinagar, searches were conducted at the residences and business establishments of Umar Sultan Guru, son of Mohammad Farooq Guru, resident of Al Noor Colony Chanpora, linked to Tour and Travel “Syndicate”; Mohd Abdullah Wani, son of Late Mohd Akber Wani, resident of Wadwan Budgam and presently living at Mandir Bagh Baghat Srinagar; Gh. Mohd Bhat, son of Ab. Jabbar Bhat of Bemina; Haji Mohammad Ramzan Lone, son of Late Ali Mohammad Lone of Soura Sheikh Mohalla and associated with Ramzana Memorial Educational Institute; Shahid Zahgeer, son of Abdul Salam of Buchpora Soura and associated with Ramzana Memorial School; Mohd Ramzan Naik alias Faheem, son of Ghulam Qadir Naik of Barhar Lalbazar; Bashir Ahmad Lone, son of Ab. Samad Lone of Syedpora Harwan; Peer Giyas Ud Din of Nowgam, linked to Falah Research Ramzan Centre; and Manzoor Ahmad of Nowgam Chowk.

In addition to residences and private establishments, searches were also carried out at institutions said to be associated with JeI ideology. These included Jamiat-ul-Banaat, Kashmir University, located at Umer Colony Lal Bazar; Rahat Manzil (JK Yateem Khana) at Bagh-i-Nand Singh Chattabal; Chinar Publication Trust at Maisuma; and Al-Kousar Book Shop, also in Maisuma, the officials said.

Srinagar Police said the searches were conducted strictly in accordance with legal procedures and in the presence of independent witnesses as mandated. Incriminating materials relevant to the ongoing investigation were seized from several locations and will undergo further examination.

Officials said the exercise is part of sustained efforts to prevent unlawful activities and ensure a secure atmosphere for the residents of Srinagar. Police added that further investigation is underway, and legal action will follow based on the findings.

Authorities urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and report any information or activity that could threaten public order.

In Awantipora, police conducted searches at multiple residential premises belonging to JeI members. Incriminating material and digital devices were recovered, and several individuals were questioned and bound down under the law.

In Handwara, acting on credible intelligence, police carried out a raid at Jamia Islamia Institute, Waripora. Electronic devices seized from the institute are being examined to verify their usage and probe suspected links with the banned organisation.

In Anantnag, police teams searched multiple houses and premises associated with JeI-linked individuals as part of efforts to dismantle suspected support structures. The operation continued through the day, with searches forming part of preventive action against revival attempts of the organisation.

In Budgam, raids were conducted in Chadoora, Soibugh and Beerwah, targeting residences and institutes allegedly linked to JeI. Documents and electronic devices were seized for further examination. Police teams conducting the searches included lady personnel and local witnesses.

In Kulgam, police launched coordinated searches across the district, recovering electronic gadgets, literature and documents suspected to be relevant to ongoing investigations. All material has been taken into custody for scrutiny, police said.

In Pulwama, early-morning searches were conducted at multiple locations linked with JeI members. No incriminating material was recovered during the operation, which was conducted in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and other witnesses.

In Shopian, police carried out wide-scale raids targeting individuals with past or present affiliations to JeI. Electronic gadgets, documents and other materials suspected of supporting clandestine activities were seized and sent for forensic and technical examination.

Police said the operations are part of sustained preventive action across Jammu and Kashmir to counter attempts to revive networks of the proscribed organisation and to curb radicalization.