J&K Police Tighten Measures to Prevent SIM Card Misuse by Terrorists

 

By ANN News Desk

Srinagar: To counter the misuse of SIM cards by terrorist networks and criminal organizations, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police have intensified inspections across multiple districts, including Srinagar, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Budgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Bandipora, Samba, and Kishtwar. The initiative is part of a larger strategy to enforce strict Know Your Customer (KYC) norms and ensure compliance among SIM card vendors.

 

 

 

 

In the past year, over 30 individuals have been arrested by the State Investigation Agency (SIA) and district police units for procuring SIM cards in their names and transferring them to terrorists. The misuse of these networks poses serious threats to national security and public safety.

 

 

 

 

Police have shared specific details of FIRs related to SIM card misuse:
• FIR 200/2024: Ashiq Hussain Wani, a resident of Tujjer Shareef Sopore, was arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Arms Act. He was involved in procuring and misusing SIM cards for assisting terror activities.
• FIR 64/2024: Shahid Saleem Lone, from Bijhama Bonyar Baramulla, was arrested under similar charges, including provisions of the Explosive Substances Act and UAPA. His mobile number had been inactive since October 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

Several incidents have highlighted the growing misuse of SIM cards:
• November 3, 2024: Three terrorists—Sheikh Usama Yaseen, Umar Fayaz Sheikh, and Afnan Mansoor Naik—were arrested at the R.K. Crossing in Srinagar. Multiple mobile numbers were seized, including 889995…., 778088….., and 70060…..
• These arrests are part of a broader operation aimed at dismantling terrorist communication channels.

 

Police have also summarized details of FIRs concerning mobile phones and SIM cards seized during investigations:
• FIR 142/2024: Two mobile phones (Redmi Note 7 Pro and Realme C-20) and two Jio SIM cards were confiscated. The accused, Mohd Khalil, is under trial.
• FIR 210/2024: Three mobile phones and multiple SIM cards were seized. The accused, Mohd Shabir, has been arrested, and the case has been transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for further investigation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The J&K Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant about SIM cards issued in their names. Individuals found aiding the misuse of SIM cards for terrorist or criminal purposes will face severe legal consequences. This appeal underscores the critical role of public cooperation in maintaining national security.

 

 

 

 

 

The police have pledged to continue rigorous inspections and enforcement to prevent unauthorized issuance of SIM cards. By ensuring strict adherence to KYC regulations, they aim to curtail misuse and uphold the integrity of communication networks.

 

 

 

 

 

The intensified measures by J&K Police are a crucial step toward dismantling the operational infrastructure of terrorist organizations and enhancing public safety. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities and work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies to prevent exploitation of communication systems.

 

Sources: ANN News