NIA raids trusts, NGOs, activists in Jammu & Kashmir; probes alleged hawala terror funding

In an early morning swoopdown, National Investigative ncy (NIA) on Wednesday carried out raids at multiple locations in Valley to probe alleged hawala terror funding.

Sources said NIA sleuths, accompanied by paramilitary CRPF personnel and J&K police, carried out raids at different locations in Srinagar city and Bandipora.

Raids were conducted at office of one trust, (office of which is located in premises of prominent English newspaper of valley) in Srinagar city.

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Reports furr suggest that raids were also carried out at offices of a local NGO called Athroat.

Meanwhile, residence of human rights activist Khuram Parvez at Sonwar was also raided by investigating ncy.

In Bandipora, NIA raided residential house of a Hurriyat activist namely Mohammad Yousuf Sofi of Brar, Bandipora.

raids are being conducted as part of a new case registered by NIA related to certain NGOs allegedly raising funds for separatist activities, sources said.

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Slamming move, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti Tweeted, "NIA raids on human rights activist Khurram Parvez & Greater Kashmir office in Srinagar is yet ar example of GOIs vicious crackdown on freedom of expression & dissent. Sadly, NIA has become BJPs pet ncy to intimidate & browbeat those who refuse to fall in line."

Pertinently, anti-terror probe ncy is investigating cases related to terror funding in Kashmir through hawala channels. ncy has carried out a series of raids on separatists, ir sympathizers and some businessmen in last more than three years. 

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crackdown by NIA on alleged terror funding to separatist leaders and ir sympathizers has caused a significant dent into ir activities in Kashmir. Incidents of street protests, violence, local recruitment of youth into terrorism in Kashmir have reduced drastically due to “effective” action of security forces and probe ncies against separatists and ir sympathizers.

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