BANDIPORA, Apr 10 — Police in Bandipora arrested eight people affiliated with separatist groups during a district-wide crackdown this week, claiming the accused continued promoting secessionist activities despite a ban under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
According to a police spokesperson, the arrests came during multiple raids conducted as part of investigations into cases registered under the UAPA.
“The individuals were reportedly active members of banned outfits, including Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP), and Jammu and Kashmir Peoples League (JKPL),” police said.
“Several of these groups have already pledged allegiance to the Indian Constitution, yet some members continue in unlawful activities,” the police spokesman said in a statement.
Three individuals—Nazir Ahmad Ahangar of Shahgund Hajin, Sheikh Danish Mushtaq of Aloosa, and Tahir Ahmad Mir of Plan Bandipora—were arrested in connection with FIR No. 04/2024 lodged at PS Bandipora. All were identified as members of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat JK.
Police also apprehended three others under FIR Nos. 07 and 62/2024 registered at PS Sumbal. They include Ghulam Din War of Naidkhai, linked with JKDFP, and Khursheed Ahmad Lone and Mohammad Shafi Dar, both from Naidkhai and Shahgund respectively, associated with JKPL.
In Hajin, two more suspects—Ab Majeed Gojri and Ab Majeed Lone, both residents of Vigpara—were detained under FIR No. 06/2024. Police stated that these people also belonged to Tehreek-e-Hurriyat JK.
Authorities said pamphlets, objectionable material, and electronic devices including mobile phones were recovered during the raids.
“Preliminary investigations suggest the accused were actively involved in recruiting youth and reviving separatist ideologies under the guise of social and religious outreach,” police added.
“These individuals have not only defied the ban but were instrumental in spreading anti-national sentiments and attempting to revive their underground networks,” the statement added.
“Anyone promoting secessionist ideology or attempting to destabilize peace in Jammu and Kashmir will face strict legal consequences.”
Since then, several leaders and factions have publicly aligned themselves with India.
The ongoing crackdown signals a clear directive: people associated with separatist networks must either sever ties and align with India’s constitutional framework or face arrest under stringent anti-terror laws.