The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Wednesday cracked down on the ecosystem sustaining terrorist activities across the Jammu region by raiding a dozen locations including residences of some of the active over-ground workers (OGWs).

These raids started early in the morning and continued during the day at several locations in Jammu city. Paramilitary forces stood guard outside the residences of suspected OGWs while NIA teams conducted raids and seized relevant records.

According to a spokesman of the National Investigation Agency, the raids were conducted in connection with a case RC-04/2024/NIA/JMU registered last year based on information about the infiltration of active terrorists.

NIA teams conducted extensive searches at the homes of over-ground workers (OGWs) linked with the newly-formed offshoots and affiliates of banned terrorist organisations such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

A total of 12 locations in the Jammu district of the union territory of J&K were searched as part of the operation, and several incriminatory materials linking the terrorists with OGWs were seized. NIA teams are examining the material to unravel the terror conspiracy.

The FIR registered on November 2, 2024, was booked under sections 61 (2),147,148, 149 of BNS 2023, Sections 7,25,27 of Arms Act, Sections 3 & 4 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908 and sections 20 and 23 of UA(P) Act 1967.

According to the First Information Report, the Central Government received reliable information regarding the infiltration of active terrorists belonging to Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) proscribed terrorist organizations, into Indian territory through the International Border (IB) and line of Control (LOC) and these infiltrations were facilitated by Over Ground workers (OGWs) and other terror associates based in villages near the IB and LOC, who provide them with resources like logistical support, food shelter and money and guide them through wild terrains of Jammu province ensuring their safe passage to hinterland especially districts of Kathua, Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, Rajouri, Poonch and also to the Kashmir valley.

According to the FIR, these active terrorists, OGWs and other associates have also intentionally hatched criminal conspiracy physically as well as through cyberspace using secured encrypted social media applications to wage a war against the Government of India.

According to the FIR, terrorists also launched a series of attacks in Kathua, Udhampur, Rajouri, and Poonch leading to the deaths of many civilians and security forces personnel.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, Wednesday conducted a comprehensive visit to various Border Outposts (BOPs) in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua and Samba districts, to assess the operational preparedness of security forces deployed along the International Border. The visit covered key locations, including BPP Sanyal in Hiranagar, Chakra, Mawa, Babber Nallah, Sherpur, and Harya Chak.

During his visit, IGPJammu interacted with officers and personnel stationed at these critical outposts and reviewed security measures, and deployment strategies to counter any potential threats along the border. During the review, the effectiveness of surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras was also reviewed. A significant emphasis was placed on strengthening coordination and synergy between the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the BSF to ensure seamless border management. The condition of border infrastructure, including roads, fencing, and communication networks, was also evaluated.