The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on Tuesday the 26th of February conducted its first-ever raids on the residences of Separatist Leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Ashraf Sehrai.
The searches were carried out in a case related to ‘terror funding’, via the hawala channel, an official said.
Several other raids were also carried out by the NIA along with J&K Police, accompanied by the CRPF in full riot gear. The raids were in the establishments of separatist leader Yasin Malik, Shabbir Shah, Ashraf Khan, Masarat Alam, Naseem Geelani and Zaffar Akbar Bhat
J&K: NIA carried out searches at 7 locations in Srinagar today in connection with J&K terror funding case. These included premises of separatist leaders Yasin Malik, Shabbir Shah, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Mohd Ashraf Khan, Masarat Alam, Zaffar Akbar Bhat & Naseem Geelani.
— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2019
As per a report ,The NIA raids and the arrest of over 600 political workers across the Valley of Kashmir are a part of the Central Government’s latest ‘iron fist’ policy towards Kashmir after the February 14 suicide attack in Pulwama by JeM.
Most of the separatist leaders, as of now are either detained in jails or they are placed under ‘house arrest’.
The raid in Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s resulted in the discovery of several high end communication gadgets, incriminating documents, financial transactions receipts, bank account details.
According to a report by Time Now, letterheads of different terrorist organisations, as well as documents relating to recommendations fora visa for admission in Pakistan educational institutions, were also recovered
Along with that electronic devices including laptops, e-tablets, mobile phones, pen drives, communication system and DVRs.
Meanwhile, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, termed the raids as ‘iilegal’ and ‘coercive’.
A distressing experience yesterday when me and my colleagues houses were cordoned and a coercive and illegal raid conducted by NIA. My phone laptop and other belongings seized.These intimidating and coercive tactics being used against Leadership demanding peaceful resolution of.. pic.twitter.com/LIzAb3RhFN
— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) February 27, 2019
In another report, it is mentioned that a high-tech internet communication set and independent technical servers used for communications were also recovered from the residence of Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.The high-powered communication set included a 40 feet long antenna which is in complete violation of the rules and regulations in the sensitive valley.
The alleged leader was also barred from holding a press conference at his residence, a day after the raids were carried out, says a report.
Also Read: The raids in Kashmir.