In a major success in the ongoing campaign to dismantle the terror ecosystem, the Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Thursday busted a cross-border recruitment module by conducting multiple raids across three districts of Kashmir.
The module was being operated not only from across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), but also had established links in Bangladesh.
According to a CIK spokesperson, extensive raids were carried out at multiple locations in Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Shopian districts. "The raids led to the busting of a significant terrorist recruitment module operating in coordination with handlers from across the LoC and in connivance with a network based in Bangladesh," the spokesperson said.
The searches were conducted at ten locations across the Kashmir Valley following search warrants issued by the Court of Special Judge designated under the NIA Act, Srinagar. The कार्रवाई was carried out in connection with FIR No. 01/2026 registered at Police Station CIK under Sections 13, 17, 18, 18-B, 20, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
During the course of the investigation, it emerged that the module was being handled by a Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative, Shabir Ahmad Lone, originally from Kangan in Ganderbal district, who operates under multiple aliases, including Raju and Zafar Saddique.
"The handler is highly radicalised and trained, having undergone structured arms training, including Daura-e-Aam and Daura-e-Khas, in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir," the spokesperson said.
Handler Operating from Bangladesh
Investigations revealed that Shabir Ahmad Lone initially worked as an over-ground worker (OGW) for a terrorist outfit in the late 1990s before joining LeT in the early 2000s. He later infiltrated India via the Bangladesh border and remained actively involved in terror-related activities, including conspiracies in high-profile attacks.
After facing legal proceedings in India, he exfiltrated to Bangladesh, where he is currently believed to be based and continues to coordinate terrorist recruitment and network expansion.
Officials said Lone is in close contact with the senior leadership of proscribed terrorist organisations and has played a key role in reviving cross-border terror modules, including those recently unearthed in different parts of the country. He is considered a most-wanted terrorist operating from foreign soil.
"In a related development, CIK had earlier arrested one of his close aides, Irfan Ahmad Wani, a 45-year-old resident of Heerpura in Shopian, who was working as a religious functionary at a local mosque," the spokesperson said.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Wani was in continuous contact with the handler and other terrorists based in Pakistan and Afghanistan through encrypted messaging platforms. He was actively involved in facilitating recruitment, radicalisation, and logistical support at the local level.
Use of Encrypted Communication Platforms to Evade Detection
Further investigation has revealed that the module relied heavily on encrypted communication platforms and other digital means to maintain secrecy and coordinate with handlers across borders.
During the raids, security agencies recovered and seized incriminating material, including mobile phones, SIM cards, laptops, digital storage devices, and documents relevant to the investigation.
"The ongoing probe aims to dismantle the broader terror ecosystem by identifying and taking strict legal action against all individuals involved, including over-ground workers, facilitators, conduits, and sympathisers operating both within Jammu and Kashmir and from foreign soil, including Bangladesh," the spokesperson said.
Reiterating its commitment to safeguarding national security, the CIK urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
