In a significant move against terrorism, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has attached seven immovable properties belonging to Sartaj Ahmed Mantoo, a prominent terrorist of the banned Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) organisation. The properties, including land measuring 19 Marlas and 84 square feet in Kisarigam, Pulwama district, were attached on Wednesday under Section 33(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, following orders from the NIA Special Court in Jammu.
Details of the Case
Sartaj Ahmed Mantoo was arrested on January 31, 2020, with a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives. Later, he was charge-sheeted on July 27, 2020, and is currently undergoing trial under various sections of the Arms Act, the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Explosive Substances Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) Act), and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933.
Mantoo, along with five co-accused members of JeM, played a crucial role in transporting freshly infiltrated terrorists into the Kashmir valley. This led to a significant encounter in which three terrorists were killed, and numerous arms, ammunition, and explosives were seized. The case (RC-02/2020/NIA/JMU) involves a conspiracy to launch terror attacks on security forces and infrastructure as part of an anti-India agenda.
Background of JeM
Formed in 2000 by Maulana Masood Azhar, JeM has orchestrated numerous terrorist attacks in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. The organization is recognized globally as a major terrorist threat. In 2019, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) designated JeM as a “Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization” under Resolution 1267. Additionally, Maulana Masood Azhar was declared a “Global Terrorist” by the UNSC.
Recent Crackdown
This action follows the NIA’s recent attachment of six immovable properties belonging to another top JeM terrorist in Kashmir, signaling an intensified crackdown on terror operatives in the region.The NIA’s continued efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and their assets underscore the agency’s commitment to countering terrorism and ensuring the security of the nation. The attachment of Mantoo’s properties is a part of broader efforts to disrupt and disable the financial and operational capabilities of terrorist organizations operating in India.