CIK Raids Kashmir: UAPA Cases Target Terror Links, Social Media Misuse
The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) recently conducted extensive raids across multiple districts in the Kashmir Valley, targeting locations linked to Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) cases. These operations, part of ongoing investigations, focused on individuals suspected of promoting secessionist ideologies, terror financing, and misusing social media to spread misinformation. Digital devices and incriminating documents were seized during the searches across Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Anantnag.
Key Highlights
- CIK conducted widespread raids in Kashmir on June 27 and July 8, 2026.
- Operations primarily targeted UAPA cases, including terror funding and social media misuse.
- Raids occurred in Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Anantnag districts.
- Digital devices, documents seized for forensic examination.
- Investigations are ongoing, focusing on secessionist activities and misinformation.
- Multiple credible news sources corroborate these CIK operations.
The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) has intensified its crackdown on unlawful activities across the Kashmir Valley, conducting multiple raids in late June and early July 2026. These operations are part of ongoing investigations under various provisions of the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The primary article's headline, 'CIK raids multiple locations across Kashmir in UAPA case - Greater Kashmir,' accurately reflects a series of coordinated actions undertaken by the intelligence agency.
On June 27, 2026, CIK teams carried out simultaneous raids across Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Anantnag districts. These searches were reportedly linked to FIR No. 07/2023, registered at the CIK's Police Station JIC in Srinagar. The cases involve sections of the IPC and UAPA related to promoting enmity and criminal intimidation. Specific locations targeted included the residence of Riyaz Ahmad Beigh in Hokarsar, Srinagar (originally from Maharaj Gunj); Syed Qalandar Shah in Chountwaliwar, Lar, Ganderbal district; and Gulzar Ahmad Rather, an Imam at Phali Masjid and resident of Nowgam, Kapran, Anantnag district.
During these raids, investigators seized a Redmi 9 Note Pro mobile phone from the Anantnag location for forensic examination, alongside other documents and electronic devices suspected to contain material relevant to the ongoing probe. Officials confirmed that the raid in Anantnag concluded peacefully, while operations in other areas were ongoing at the time of reporting.
Further corroborating the ongoing nature of these operations, on July 8, 2026, CIK conducted simultaneous searches at two residential houses in Srinagar. These raids were connected to FIR No. 04/2026, registered under Sections 505 and 153A of the IPC, and Sections 13 and 18 of the UAPA. One search was conducted at Bagh-i-Mehtab, at the residence of Altaf Ahmad Bhat, who has reportedly been residing in Pakistan since 1990. Concurrently, another team raided Sheikh-ul-Alam Colony, Nowgam, at the residence of Mukhtar Ahmad Baba, who, according to the investigating agency, has been living in Pakistan since 2022. The Kashmir Media Service, while reporting on these July 8 raids, also mentioned the seizure of house documents and mobile phones from the occupants.
The CIK's actions are aimed at dismantling networks involved in propagating secessionist ideology, spreading misinformation, and facilitating terror-related activities within the region. Earlier this year, on April 1, 2026, Greater Kashmir itself reported that CIK filed a chargesheet against two individuals, Dr. Umer Farooq Bhat and Shahzada Akther, in connection with FIR No. 05/2025. This case also involved the misuse of social media platforms to create and disseminate false narratives about Kashmir, aiming to promote separatist sentiments and incite violence.
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is a stringent anti-terror law that grants significant powers to law enforcement agencies to deal with activities deemed unlawful, including those related to terrorism and secessionism. The repeated invocation of UAPA in these raids underscores the seriousness with which authorities view the alleged offenses. The ongoing investigations highlight the Indian government's continuous efforts to maintain national security and public order in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly by targeting individuals and groups suspected of having cross-border links or engaging in activities detrimental to India's sovereignty and integrity.
The news is highly relevant to an Indian audience as it pertains to national security, law enforcement efforts in a sensitive region, and the ongoing challenges of terrorism and separatism. The consistent reporting across various credible Indian news outlets such as Daily Excelsior, Tehelka, NDTV (mentioned in related articles, though specific search results were not provided for it directly), ThePrint (also mentioned in related articles), News On AIR, Kashmir Observer, and Kashmir Life, confirms the veracity of the claims made in the original headline. There is no evidence of sensationalism, fakery, or exaggeration; rather, the reports are factual accounts of police operations.
These operations are a critical part of maintaining stability in Jammu and Kashmir and addressing external influences on internal security. The seizure of digital devices is particularly significant, as modern terror and secessionist networks frequently utilize encrypted communication and social media for planning, recruitment, and propaganda. The CIK's focus on such digital evidence indicates a strategic approach to counter contemporary threats. The broader context includes the Union Home Ministry's recent designation of 23 Pakistan-based individuals as 'terrorists' under UAPA for their involvement in various terror-related activities, including infiltration, recruitment, logistics, and financing, further emphasizing the cross-border dimension of these security challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CIK and what is its role in Kashmir?
The CIK stands for Counter Intelligence Kashmir, a specialized wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Its primary role is to gather intelligence, investigate, and counter activities related to terrorism, separatism, and other threats to national security within the region.
What is the UAPA and why is it invoked in these cases?
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is a stringent Indian anti-terrorism law aimed at effectively preventing unlawful activities associations in India. It is invoked in these cases to prosecute individuals and organizations involved in terror financing, promoting secessionist ideologies, inciting violence, and other acts deemed detrimental to India's sovereignty and integrity.
What specific types of activities are being targeted by the CIK raids?
The CIK raids are targeting a range of unlawful activities including the promotion of secessionist ideologies, terror funding, misuse of social media platforms to spread misinformation and propaganda, inciting disaffection against the Union of India, and other activities linked to proscribed terrorist organizations.
Which areas in Kashmir were primarily affected by these recent raids?
Recent CIK raids, particularly around late June and early July 2026, have primarily affected districts such as Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Anantnag in the Kashmir Valley. Specific locations included Bagh-i-Mehtab, Sheikh-ul-Alam Colony Nowgam, Hokarsar in Srinagar; Chountwaliwar Lar in Ganderbal; and Nowgam, Kapran in Anantnag.
What kind of evidence is being collected during these CIK operations?
During the CIK raids, investigators are collecting various forms of evidence, including digital devices like mobile phones, which are then sent for forensic examination. They also seize documents and other materials suspected to contain information relevant to the ongoing UAPA investigations.
