Why is the NIA Conducting Searches at 22 Locations in 5 States, Including J&K?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The NIA is conducting searches at 22 locations across five states.
- These operations are linked to a broader investigation into terror funding.
- Collaboration with local police and CRPF is integral to the operation.
- Several notable terror cases are under investigation.
- The actions demonstrate the government's commitment to national security.
Srinagar, Sep 8 (NationPress) Agents from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) commenced operations this morning, scouring 22 locations across five states, which includes the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The agency's searches extended to Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, along with J&K, as part of a coordinated effort.
Today, searches were initiated in areas such as Budgam, Kulgam, Pattan, Pulwama, and Kangan within the Valley.
Officials confirmed that the NIA is collaborating with local police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) during these operations.
The current searches are linked to a case concerning terror funding that the agency is actively investigating.
The NIA is delving into several significant terror cases, which include incidents of terror funding and the murders of innocent civilians.
One of the notable investigations involves the tragic incident on June 9, 2024, where 9 pilgrims were killed and many others injured by terrorists in the Reasi district of Jammu division. The NIA has made arrests related to individuals providing shelter to the terrorists responsible for this attack.
Additionally, the agency has taken over the investigation of a terror attack conducted by Pakistan-backed LeT terrorists on April 22 in the scenic Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, where 26 individuals, including 25 tourists and a local pony owner, lost their lives.
In a significant development, three Pakistani terrorists—Suleman, Jibran, and Hamza Afghani—were eliminated by joint forces on July 28, 2025. This operation, termed 'Operation Mahadev', took place in the foothills of Mahadev Peak in the higher elevations of Dachigam National Park, Harwan area of Srinagar district.
The Army launched this operation after identifying the terrorists involved in the Baisaran attack, utilizing photographs retrieved from a mobile device seized during a previous encounter in South Kashmir in 2024, as confirmed by officials.