NIA Arrests Key Accused in 2020 Kashmir Narco-Terror Case Linked To Pakistan Based Terror Outfit

New Delhi: National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a key accused in 2020 Kashmir narco-terror case, which is linked to a conspiracy by Pakistan-based banned terrorist organizations to procure and sell narcotics to raise funds for terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and or parts of India. accused has been identified as Muneer Ahm Banday, who is being interrogated by investigating agency to find out furr details regarding conspiracy. 

Banday, who h been eving arrest for over four years, is believed to have played a crucial role in plot to generate funds to support terrorism. se funds were intended to fuel furr terrorist activities in J&K through a network of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) connected to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM).

conspiracy first came to light in June 2020, when Handwara police in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir intercepted a vehicle on Kairo Bridge. vehicle, driven by accused Abdul Momin Peer, was found carrying 2 kilograms of heroin and 20 lakh rupees in cash. Furr interrogation of Peer led to discovery of an ditional 15 kilograms of heroin and 1.15 crore rupees in cash. seizure indicated a large-scale drug trafficking operation connected to terrorism.

In response, NIA took over investigation and re-registered case on June 23, 2020, under various sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC), Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Since n, NIA has filed multiple chargesheets against 15 individuals involved in case.

agency’s ongoing investigation is focused on dismantling narco-terror network operating in region and cutting off financial lifelines that sustain terrorism, particularly in Kashmir. NIA's efforts are aimed at neutralising terror funding system that has been used to spre violence in region.

arrest of accused, Muneer Ahm Banday, marks a significant step in NIA’s ongoing mission to curb growing nexus between drug trafficking and terrorism in region. 

Furr details regarding ongoing investigation are being awaited.