CIK Busts Cross-Border Terror Recruitment Module in Kashmir, Conducts Raids at 10 Locations

 

 

 

Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Thursday carried out extensive search operations across Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Shopian districts, successfully busting a major terrorist recruitment module operating with support from handlers across the Line of Control (LoC) and a network based in Bangladesh.

 

 

 

 

 

The searches were conducted at 10 locations following warrants issued by the Special NIA Court in Srinagar in connection with FIR No. 01/2026 registered under multiple sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investigations revealed that the module was being controlled by a Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative, Shabir Ahmad Lone, originally from Kangan in Ganderbal. He is known to operate under multiple aliases, including Raju and Zafar Saddique, and is believed to be currently based in Bangladesh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Officials said Lone is a highly radicalised and trained militant who underwent structured arms training in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He had earlier worked as an over-ground worker in the late 1990s before joining LeT in the early 2000s. He later infiltrated into India through the Bangladesh border and remained involved in several terror-related activities. After facing legal action, he fled back to Bangladesh, from where he continues to coordinate recruitment and operations.

Further probe indicates that Lone is in close contact with senior leadership of banned terror outfits and has played a key role in reviving cross-border terror networks in different parts of the country.

 

 

 

 

 

In a related development, CIK had earlier arrested one of his key associates, Irfan Ahmad Wani, a 45-year-old resident of Heerpura, Shopian, who was working as a religious functionary at a local mosque. Preliminary investigations suggest that Wani was in continuous contact with foreign-based handlers through encrypted messaging platforms and was actively involved in recruitment, radicalisation, and logistical support.

Officials also stated that the module relied heavily on encrypted communication channels and digital tools to maintain secrecy and coordinate activities.

During the raids, security forces recovered several incriminating materials, including mobile phones, laptops, SIM cards, and important documents linked to the investigation.

CIK said the ongoing investigation aims to dismantle the broader terror ecosystem by identifying all individuals involved, including over-ground workers, facilitators, and sympathisers operating both within Jammu & Kashmir and from abroad.

 

 

 

 

Reaffirming its commitment to national security, CIK urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and stability in the region.