J&K Police raid Kulgam, Shopian in south Kashmir terror probe
Synopsis
J&K Police's elite Counter-Intelligence Kashmir wing descended on Kulgam and Shopian on 13 September 2026, continuing a systematic dismantling of South Kashmir's terror infrastructure — from encrypted-app sleeper cells to jail-based communication networks — after neutralising a Jaish-e-Mohammed recruitment cell as recently as July 2026.
Key Takeaways
The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) wing raided multiple locations in Kulgam and Shopian on 13 September 2026 .
Raids were conducted in connection with an ongoing terror-related investigation , with assistance from other security agencies.
CIK had earlier conducted coordinated raids across six districts targeting suspects using high-security encrypted messaging apps to contact cross-border handlers.
The Jaish-e-Mohammed Recruitment Cell was neutralised in July 2026 , covering Pulwama , Ganderbal , Srinagar , and Budgam .
CIK also dismantled jail-based terror communication networks at Anantnag District Jail and facilities in Kulgam , Udhampur , and Jammu City .
The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday, 13 September 2026, conducted simultaneous raids across multiple locations in South Kashmir, targeting districts including Kulgam and Shopian as part of an ongoing terror-related investigation. The operations were carried out with the assistance of other security agencies, officials said.
What the Raids Targeted
According to officials, the CIK's operations in Kulgam and Shopian were part of a broader, sustained crackdown on terror networks and radicalisation modules operating in the Kashmir Valley. Investigators are believed to be pursuing leads linked to active sleeper cells and encrypted digital communication networks used by terror operatives. Further details are awaited as the operation remains ongoing.
CIK's Expanding Operational Footprint
The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir wing has significantly escalated its counter-terror operations in recent months. Earlier in 2026, the agency executed coordinated raids across six districts — Budgam, Awantipora, Pulwama, Kupwara, Shopian, and Srinagar — zeroing in on individuals found using high-security encrypted messaging applications to maintain contact with cross-border terrorist handlers. Digital devices, SIM cards, and communication logs were seized during those operations to map terror communication chains.
In a significant breakthrough, the CIK neutralised the Jaish-e-Mohammed Recruitment Cell in July 2026. The cell was a localised recruitment and sleeper module reportedly directed by a cross-border commander, with active presence in Pulwama, Ganderbal, Srinagar, and Budgam. Authorities raided ten specific locations in that operation, aiming to cut off the pipeline that was funnelling local youth into terror networks backed by groups across the Line of Control (LoC).
Dismantling Jail-Based Terror Networks
The CIK's mandate has also extended into correctional facilities. Under its Interstate and Jail Network Intelligence operations, the wing dismantled inmate-linked communication networks at the Anantnag District Jail and similar premises in Kulgam, Udhampur, and Jammu City. The operations were triggered by detection of suspicious technical signatures emanating from within prison facilities. Search warrants were executed, and multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, and tablets were recovered from cells and from external contacts linked to inmates.
What Comes Next
Sunday's raids in Kulgam and Shopian mark the latest phase in a systematic counter-terror push by J&K Police ahead of what security officials describe as a heightened threat environment in the Valley. With digital surveillance and ground intelligence both driving the operations, the CIK's focus on encrypted communication networks and cross-border linkages is expected to intensify in the weeks ahead.
Point of View
Intelligence-led campaign that the CIK has run across the Valley throughout 2026. What stands out is the twin-track approach: dismantling encrypted digital networks in the field while simultaneously cutting off communication lines inside jails. The Jaish-e-Mohammed cell neutralisation in July suggests CIK has moved beyond reactive policing toward pre-emptive infiltration of sleeper modules. The real test, however, is whether these operational gains translate into durable disruption of cross-LoC recruitment pipelines, or whether handlers simply rebuild with new encrypted tools and fresh local recruits.
NationPress
13 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did J&K Police raid Kulgam and Shopian on 13 September 2026?
The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir wing conducted the raids as part of an ongoing terror-related investigation targeting South Kashmir districts. The specific leads being pursued have not yet been disclosed by officials, as more details are awaited.
What is the Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) wing?
The CIK is a specialised unit of Jammu and Kashmir Police focused on dismantling terror networks, radicalisation modules, and funding channels. It has ramped up operations significantly in 2026, targeting encrypted communications and cross-border recruitment pipelines.
What was the Jaish-e-Mohammed recruitment cell neutralised by CIK?
In July 2026, the CIK dismantled a localised Jaish-e-Mohammed recruitment and sleeper cell operating in Pulwama, Ganderbal, Srinagar, and Budgam, reportedly directed by a cross-border commander. Ten locations were raided to cut off the pipeline recruiting local youth into active terror networks.
How has CIK tackled encrypted communication used by terror suspects?
The CIK found that suspects were using high-security encrypted messaging applications to stay in contact with cross-border terrorist handlers. Digital devices, SIM cards, and communication logs were seized across multiple districts to map these networks.
Did CIK also act against terror networks inside prisons?
Yes. Under its Jail Network Intelligence operations, CIK dismantled inmate-linked communication networks at Anantnag District Jail and facilities in Kulgam, Udhampur, and Jammu City, recovering mobile phones, SIM cards, and tablets after detecting suspicious technical signatures from within prison premises.
