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Srinagar/Jammu, Nov 9 (IANS) The counter-intelligence wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday conducted raids in five districts of Kashmir in connection with the misuse of social media by anti-national elements, while in Ramban district the police conducted CASO (cordon and search operation) aimed at detecting suspicious activities of relatives of natives of Jammu and Kashmir operating from Pakistan (JKNOP) and verifying the background of the suspected persons.
Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) carried out a series of coordinated raids in five districts to check social media misuse and online activities considered harmful to public order, officials said.
An official said simultaneous searches were conducted in Pulwama, Shopian, Srinagar, Baramulla and Kulgam districts.
“The operation was launched this morning after receiving credible information about persons allegedly using social media platforms to spread hateful and anti-national content.
CIK teams, assisted by local police, seized a number of digital devices including mobile phones, laptops and storage devices for forensic analysis.
“Raids were conducted at several residential complexes and business establishments suspected to be linked to online abuse networks,” officials said.
Officials said the action is aimed at identifying and curbing elements using social media to incite communal disharmony, glorify extremism or threaten individuals.
Officials said, “Some of the suspects have been detained for questioning, while others have been kept under surveillance for verification of digital evidence. The operation is ongoing, and further searches can be conducted based on the evidence collected during the initial raids.”
Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces are carrying out aggressive counter-terrorism operations targeting terrorists, their ground workers and supporters.
Misuse of social media has been a major tool by elements anti-peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. Apart from spreading anti-national and pro-terrorist propaganda, social media has been used by terrorist organizations and their OGWs to threaten politicians, police personnel and those involved in intelligence targeting to identify anti-national and anti-social elements in the Union Territory.
Drug smuggling and hawala money rackets are also on the radar of security forces, as it is believed that the money generated from these illegal activities is ultimately used to maintain terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, continuing its efforts to strengthen the security grid and maintain peace in the district, Ramban police conducted CASOs at several locations in Banihal and Gool.
The operation was carried out in a well-coordinated manner under the supervision of SSP Ramban, Arun Gupta and was aimed at detecting suspicious activities of relatives of natives of Jammu and Kashmir operating from Pakistan (JKNOP) and verifying the antecedents of the suspected persons and tightening security around sensitive areas.
During the operation, houses of relatives and known associates of Jammu and Kashmir based terrorists and Overground Workers (OGWs) operating from Pakistan were searched.
Police teams conducted thorough inspection of several premises to ensure that no anti-national or illegal activities were being carried out or supported.
The operation was conducted by joint teams of Ramban Police, Army, CRPF and SOG units along with duty magistrates covering various sensitive areas across the district.
The action was taken in a systematic manner without causing any inconvenience to the general public. It is reiterated that such operations are a part of the ongoing preventive and intelligence-based measures to ensure that peace and stability is maintained in the region.
Ramban Police is committed to neutralizing any anti-national network and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
“The police have appealed to the public at large to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies and share any valuable information regarding suspicious activities or persons in their areas, assuring that the identity of those giving information will be kept confidential,” officials said.
–IANS
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