Srinagar, Nov 1: As the J&K Police State Investigation Agency (SIA) marks its second anniversary, it stands as a key player in achieving ‘zero terrorism’ in the region. Formed on November 1, 2021, as part of an anti-terror strategy, the SIA played a pivotal role in investigating and prosecuting terror-related cases in Jammu and Kashmir. It was designated as the nodal agency for coordination with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other central agencies.
In the span of two years, the SIA has registered 45 cases and taken over an additional 12 cases from other police stations for further investigation. Out of these, 31 cases have been successfully charged, leading to the arrest of 99 accused individuals. The agency has been instrumental in investigating cases related to espionage, terror financing, narco-terrorism, terror acts, and minority killings.
One of the significant achievements of the SIA includes unearthing the modus operandi of adversaries involved in financing terrorism through proceeds of narcotics and the use of cryptocurrencies. It played a crucial role in investigating cases related to the misuse of SIM cards for unlawful activities, revealing vulnerabilities in the SIM issuance process.
In a major breakthrough, the SIA successfully busted a narco-terror module involved in a larger criminal conspiracy with cross-LoC narcotics and drug smuggling operations. The agency also thwarted an attempt by a mole within the force, who was providing vital information to terrorist organizations and agencies in Pakistan.
To curb the terror ecosystem, the SIA conducted raids at 166 locations across Jammu and Kashmir. It attached 217 properties associated with Jamaat-e-Islami, an unlawful association, weakening the logistics of the proscribed outfit. The agency initiated a special drive to trace absconders of terrorism-related cases, identifying 734 absconders of TADA/POTA cases.
In efforts to counter terror financing, the SIA froze INR 1,21,84,382 in 134 bank accounts, seized INR 5,19,86,810 in cash, and issued lookout circulars. The agency suspended passports, impounded passports, and issued lookout circulars against high-profile terror sympathizers.
For the first time in Jammu and Kashmir, three black notices for identification of the dead bodies of Pakistani terrorists were issued through INTERPOL. The SIA also made progress in establishing the involvement of an ex-MLA of a regional political party who facilitated the transportation of a Hizb ul Mujahideen Divisional Commander to Pakistan.
Through meticulous investigation, the SIA unveiled the intricate modus operandi adopted by Pakistan-based terror handlers to generate funds domestically from the sale of seats in professional courses for admission in Pakistan-based institutions.
As the SIA celebrates two years of success, it remains committed to its mission of safeguarding peace and security, achieving zero terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, and contributing to the nation’s overall security landscape.
