Srinagar/Jammu, Nov 9 (NationPress) In a significant operation, the Counter-Intelligence wing of J&K Police executed raids across five districts in Kashmir on Sunday, targeting social media misuse by anti-national elements. Concurrently, police in Ramban district implemented Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) to investigate the activities of relatives of Jammu and Kashmir natives allegedly operating from Pakistan (JKNOPs) and to verify the backgrounds of suspected individuals.

Officials reported that the Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) conducted a series of well-coordinated raids in five districts as part of their investigation into the misuse of social media and online activities that threaten public order.

Searches were simultaneously carried out in Pulwama, Shopian, Srinagar, Baramulla, and Kulgam districts.

“The operation commenced early this morning based on credible intelligence regarding individuals allegedly exploiting social media to disseminate hateful and anti-national content.

CIK teams, supported by local police, confiscated various digital devices, including mobile phones, laptops, and storage devices for forensic examination.

The raids targeted numerous residential and commercial properties suspected of being associated with the online abuse network,” officials disclosed.

Officials further indicated that this crackdown aims to identify and dismantle networks exploiting social media to provoke communal discord, glorify militancy, or intimidate individuals.

“Some suspects have been detained for questioning, while others are undergoing surveillance pending the verification of digital evidence. The operation remains active, with additional searches anticipated based on the evidence collected during initial raids,” officials added.

The J&K Police, alongside security forces, has been conducting rigorous anti-terror operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and their sympathizers.

Social media misuse has emerged as a vital tool for those opposed to peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. Beyond spreading anti-national and pro-terrorist propaganda, social media has been exploited by terrorist groups and their overground workers to threaten politicians, police officials, and those involved in intelligence efforts to expose anti-national and anti-social elements in the union territory.

Additionally, drug trafficking and hawala operations are under scrutiny, as these illicit activities are believed to fund terrorism in J&K.

Meanwhile, as part of its ongoing efforts to bolster the security framework and maintain peace in the area, Ramban Police conducted CASOs in various locations throughout Banihal and Gool.

These operations were executed in a well-coordinated manner under the leadership of SSP Ramban, Arun Gupta, focusing on tracing the activities of relatives of J&K natives operating from Pakistan (JKNOPs) and confirming the backgrounds of suspected individuals while enhancing security around vulnerable regions.

During these operations, residences of relatives and known associates of active J&K-based terrorists operating from Pakistan and Overground Workers (OGWs) were thoroughly searched.

The police teams meticulously examined multiple properties to ensure no anti-national or unlawful activities were being conducted or supported.

The operations were carried out by joint teams of Ramban Police, Army, CRPF, and SOG units, alongside Duty Magistrates, covering various sensitive areas across the district.

The operations were executed systematically, ensuring minimal disruption to the general public. It is emphasized that these operations are part of ongoing preventive and intelligence-led measures to uphold peace and stability in the region.

”Ramban Police remains dedicated to neutralizing any anti-national network and safeguarding all citizens.

“Police have also urged the community to assist law enforcement by sharing any pertinent information regarding suspicious activities or individuals in their vicinity, assuring that the identities of informants will be kept confidential,” officials concluded.