NIA Takes Major Action Against Terrorism Funding in Kashmir: Properties Attached, Cash Seized in Handwara Narco-Terrorism Case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken significant steps in disrupting the funding networks supporting terrorism in Kashmir by attaching four properties and seizing cash in the Handwara narco-terrorism case involving two proscribed terrorist outfits, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM).

The attached properties, located in tehsil Handwara of district Kupwara, include the double-storeyed house of accused Afaq Ahmad Wani, single-storeyed house of accused Muneer Ahmad Pandey, the house of Saleem Andrabi, and the double-storeyed house of Islam ul Haq. Additionally, the NIA has seized a total of Rs 2.27 crore in cash under Section 25 of the UA(P) Act.

So far, 12 accused individuals have been arrested in the case, with the NIA charging 15 individuals. The case (RC 03/2020/NIA/JMU) revolves around the utilization of proceeds from narcotic drugs to finance violent terrorist activities by LeT and HM in the Handwara-Kupwara region. It originated from the recovery of a black bag containing a large number of Indian currency notes of 500 denominations during a vehicle check in Langate area, Handwara, from a white Creta car lacking a registration number.

Preliminary interrogation of the car’s driver, Abdul Momin Peer, uncovered details about the narco-terror nexus, prompting a thorough investigation by the NIA. Initial searches at the residences of various accused yielded 21 kg of heroin and other incriminating evidence, including significant amounts of cash.The anti-terror agency remains steadfast in its efforts to dismantle terrorist networks in Kashmir and uphold national security.