SRINAGAR, DEC 11: Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) filed a charge sheet before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Srinagar on Monday against a terror module associated with Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).
As per the CIK officials, the individuals charged include a Pakistani terror handler, Ab. Rehman @ Riyaz @ Umar & Jigar @ Ashfaq @ Luqman Ali, son of Mohamad Bashir, a resident of Momin Zafarwal, Narowal, Pakistan. Additionally, three associates from the Kashmir valley were named: Junaid-ul-Islam, son of Ghulam Nabi Dar, resident of Sail Awantipora, Pulwama; Sheikh Najmu Saqib, son of Mohammad Ramzan Sheikh, resident of Ganastan Sumbal, Bandipora; and Waseem Ferooz Sheikh, son of Ferooz Ahmad Sheikh, resident of Karimaabad, Pulwama. Two juveniles were also included in the charges.
The filing was based on credible information suggesting that Ab. Rehman and his associates, in collaboration with Kashmir-based counterparts, were planning terrorist activities with the aim of disturbing peace and tranquility in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Their ulterior motive was to challenge the sovereignty and integrity of the Union of India. The accused employed covert communication applications to evade detection and ensure the secrecy of their operations,” the officials said.
The accused primarily communicated through encrypted internet messaging platforms and social media applications to radicalize and lure innocent youths into terrorism, utilizing them as couriers for arms, ammunition, and psychotropic substances, and recruiting more individuals into terrorist ranks. Their objective was to carry out acts of terrorism across the Kashmir valley and disturb the peace, all while misusing social media to maintain secrecy and anonymity”.
“The handler in Pakistan, along with other accused persons, consistently attempted to create new terror modules using methods such as instigation, enticement, and implied coercion. Their intention was to act as logistics and terror agents, furthering unlawful activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the investigation, it was discovered that several youths, after being exposed to seditious material sent by the handlers, did not express interest in working as OGWs or further radicalizing the youth in the valley. The investigation also revealed that youths were enticed with promises of paradise after martyrdom, as well as financial rewards and glamour in this world”.
“An appeal was made to the youth of the Kashmir valley, particularly their parents, to closely monitor their wards and encourage vigilance to prevent them from falling into the trap of such inducements.
After a thorough investigation, a prima facie case was established against the four accused under sections 120-B IPC, 13, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, including the Pakistani terror handler, Ab. Rehman @ Riyaz @ Umar & Jigar @ Ashfaq @ Luqman Ali. Legal proceedings have been initiated under section 299 of the Criminal Procedure Code”.
