The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches at 10 locations across Jammu and Kashmir in connection with a cross-border terror conspiracy involving Pakistan-based handlers of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and their alleged network of local Over Ground Workers (OGWs). The searches were carried out in Kupwara, Kulgam, Bandipora, Baramulla and Sopore to gather further evidence related to the conspiracy and ascertain the roles of individuals allegedly providing logistical and other support to infiltrated terrorists, the NIA said. During the searches, incriminating material relevant to the case was seized or secured, according to the agency. The material is being examined and corroborated with other evidence collected during the investigation.
The case was initially registered at Police Station Zakoora in Srinagar and was subsequently re-registered by the NIA under Section 23 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, Sections 7 and 25 of the Arms Act, 1959, and Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908. The investigation began after the arrest of an alleged LeT-linked OGW at a naka point during the night of March 31, 2026. A hand grenade and live ammunition were recovered from his possession, the NIA said. Further investigation led to the arrest of Pakistani nationals allegedly linked to the conspiracy and helped investigators identify the suspected roles of members of the local support network. According to the NIA, the investigation so far has revealed links between Pakistan-based LeT handlers and their local associates. These associates were allegedly being used for communication, movement and concealment of infiltrated terrorists, as well as providing shelter, conducting reconnaissance and facilitating other logistical requirements.
The agency is also examining the financial trail, communication channels and movement of the accused, along with the source and supply chain of arms and explosives. The objective, according to the NIA, is to establish the complete network and determine the extent of its activities. The latest searches are part of the agency's continuing investigation into the larger conspiracy and the support mechanism allegedly facilitating cross-border terrorism. The NIA said it would continue its investigation to identify all persons involved in the alleged conspiracy and establish their respective roles. Further legal action, including arrests and recoveries, may follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.
The searches come amid the NIA's wider investigations into LeT-linked terror networks in Jammu and Kashmir. A Special Court in Jammu on September 8 issued a non-bailable warrant against LeT founder Hafiz Saeed in a terror case related to the alleged supply of weapons, funds and directions to terror groups operating in the Union Territory. It was the second non-bailable warrant issued against Saeed by the Special NIA Court in Jammu in two months. The warrant was issued after the NIA described Saeed, a resident of Sargodha in Pakistan's Punjab province, as an “absconding accused” in a case concerning the arrest of Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat during a check at Pandach on the outskirts of Srinagar earlier this year.
A China-made grenade and 15 live rounds were recovered from Bhat, who was booked under the UAPA, Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act. The subsequent investigation led to the alleged busting of a terror network and the arrest of several more terrorists associated with LeT and its offshoot The Resistance Front (TRF), as well as two Pakistani nationals. The NIA told the court that Saeed was allegedly operating from Pakistan and providing weapons, money and directions to terrorists in the Kashmir Valley. The court observed that Saeed's involvement had surfaced during the investigation and that he was “allegedly involved in terrorism”. The latest warrant followed an earlier non-bailable warrant issued against him on July 8 in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack case.
