Why did J&K Police Attach Property of Terror Handlers from Pakistan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Property linked to terror handlers has been seized.
- Investigation targets sleeper cell modules in J&K.
- Fayaz Ahmad's activities raise concerns about financing terrorism.
- Ongoing operations reveal the complexity of identifying sleeper cells.
- Authorities emphasize the need for vigilance against radicalization.
Srinagar, Oct 8 (NationPress) In a significant move, police in J&K’s Budgam district have seized the property of a terror handler linked to operations from Pakistan. This action was taken as the State Investigation Agency (SIA) executed searches at eight different sites targeting a terror sleeper cell network in the region.
A police announcement stated that, in a bid to combat terror networks and their affiliates, Budgam Police have attached property spanning 03 kanals and 19 marlas located in Dasan, Beerwah. This was done following the necessary approval from the relevant authorities.
According to officials, the property is owned by Fayaz Ahmad, also known as Gadda, who had previously fled to Pakistan and was reportedly using the property to facilitate terrorist activities in Kashmir.
During the investigation, it emerged that this individual was attempting to sell the land to finance further terrorist endeavors.
As a result, sanction under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) was secured in connection with FIR No. 56/2019 from Police Station Chadoora, leading to the formal attachment of the property.
Furthermore, it was noted that the handler remains in Pakistan and continues to engage in anti-national activities from there.
In a related development, the SIA reported extensive searches conducted at eight locations across seven districts within the Kashmir valley.
These searches are part of an ongoing investigation tied to FIR No. 01/2025 from Police Station CI/SIA Kashmir, which pertains to the sleeper cell module operating under the directives of banned terrorist factions like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.
The SIA highlighted that this module is instrumental in disseminating secessionist propaganda, effectively “radicalizing” and “recruiting” local youth into terrorism.
Simultaneous search operations occurred across seven districts in northern, central, and southern Kashmir, resulting in the seizure of significant incriminating materials and the apprehension of several suspects for further questioning.
The preliminary findings indicate these entities are actively involved in a conspiracy aimed at propagating anti-India narratives, which threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation, while also inciting public disorder and communal discord.
A terror sleeper cell consists of operatives who lead seemingly normal lives while being equipped with weapons by terrorists to perform specific missions. After completing their assignments, they return the weapons and reintegrate into society, making identification challenging.