In a significant counter-terrorism operation on Tuesday, the Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) raided ten locations across multiple districts, including Srinagar, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Anantnag, Budgam and Kulgam. Seven suspects were detained and authorities seized 14 mobile phones, one laptop and other incriminating materials.
The operation revealed the existence of a recruitment module for the newly formed terrorist group Tehreek Labaik Ya Muslim (TLM), which officials described as an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The module was reportedly being managed by a Pakistani handler known as “Baba Hamas,” underscoring Pakistan’s continued involvement in fueling terrorism in the Kashmir Valley through proxy groups.
Authorities stated that dismantling this network is crucial to disrupting recruitment efforts targeting vulnerable youth in the region. “Tehreek Labaik Ya Muslim was attempting to revive cross-border terrorism under the guise of a new front,” a CIK official disclosed. The Paki establishment’s hand behind the group exposes Islamabad’s strategy of using renamed proxies to maintain deniability while continuing to stoke unrest in Kashmir.
NIA Probes Fresh Terror Attack in Ganderbal
The operation comes amid heightened security concerns following Sunday’s brutal terror attack at a construction site in Ganderbal district. Terrorists ambushed workers on the Srinagar-Leh national highway, killing a local doctor and six migrant workers as they returned to camp after work. The attack has raised serious alarms about the safety of civilians, particularly non-locals working in the Valley.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) visited the site on Monday, led by a Superintendent of Police from its regional branch. The agency is investigating whether the attack is linked to the recruitment activities of groups like TLM, signaling deeper connections to Pakistan-backed terror operations.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged security forces to remain vigilant, emphasizing that such violent acts are intended to project instability in the region. “These killings are aimed at undermining the peace and security we have fought hard to achieve. We will not allow these cowardly acts to derail our progress,” Abdullah said, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to protecting civilians and restoring normalcy.