Monday, May 25, 2026 –
The National Investigation Agency launched a sweeping, multi-location operation across central and south Kashmir on Monday morning, targeting networks linked to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) Jammu and Kashmir. The raids, carried out simultaneously in Srinagar’s Lal Bazaar and Lal Nazar areas, as well as at two locations in the Shopian district, are part of an ongoing terror-funding investigation.
Among the most significant targets was Darul Uloom Sirajul Uloom — a religious-cum-academic institution at Imam Sahib, Shopian — which authorities had already declared an illegal entity last month. The school reportedly imparts both religious and secular education to hundreds of students. In a parallel operation, NIA teams also searched the residence of Shahzada Aurangzeb, the former chief of the banned JeI, at Molu Chitragam in Shopian district.
NIA sleuths, backed by J&K Police and CRPF personnel, are investigating allegations that the JeI and affiliated institutions have continued to promote secessionist and terror-linked activities despite the group’s prohibition. Investigators are particularly focused on suspected financial conduits allegedly funnelling funds under the guise of charity, health, and education, with money said to have been routed via Dubai and Turkey in coordination with Pakistan’s intelligence apparatus.
The ongoing crackdown reflects federal security agencies’ renewed resolve to dismantle what they describe as the ideological and financial infrastructure underpinning militancy in the Valley.
