Searches at multiple places in Kashmir, SIM cards, phones seized

Counter Intelligence Kashmir on Friday said that during the investigation, various suspects were found using a “specific encrypted messaging application”, which is widely used by “terrorists/handlers” from across the border for “coordinating and executing a variety of terrorist-related activities, including recruitment into terrorist ranks”.

These users, police said, are suspected to be in touch with suspicious entities across the border. “As such, maintaining the element of surprise, the searches were meticulously planned and conducted,” officials said. During raids, “incriminating material” in the form of SIM cards, mobile phones, tablets and other digital devices that have a bearing on the case have been recovered. Analysis of the data will follow and leads that may emerge will become the basis for further investigation, a CIK official said.

However, no arrests were made on Friday.

The searches come as security agencies step up anti-terror operations across J&K in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.