NIA Attaches Multiple Properties Of JeM Militant In South Kashmir
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has attached multiple properties in Pulwama, South Kashmir, belonging to a top terrorist from the banned Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist organization. The move is part of the NIA’s intensified efforts to dismantle the terror network in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
According to a handout to GNS, the NIA stated that seven immovable properties of the terrorist Sartaj Ahmed Mantoo were attached on Wednesday. These properties, including land measuring 19 Marlas and 84 square feet at Kisarigam in Pulwama district, were attached under Section 33 (1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA (P) Act), 1967, on the orders of the NIA Special Court in Jammu.
Sartaj Ahmed Mantoo was arrested on January 31, 2020. Several arms, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from his possession. He was chargesheeted on July 27, 2020, and is currently facing trial under relevant sections of the Arms Act, the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Explosive Substances Act, the UA (P) Act, and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933.
Along with five co-accused members of JeM, Mantoo was involved in transporting freshly infiltrated terrorists to the Kashmir valley. The case (RC-02/2020/NIA/JMU) relates to a conspiracy to launch terror attacks on security forces and infrastructure as part of an anti-India agenda. Three terrorists were killed, and arms, ammunition, and explosives were also seized during the investigation.
Since its formation in 2000 by Maulana Masood Azhar, JeM has carried out numerous terrorist attacks in India, including in J&K. The group has been listed as a “Designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation” by the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSC) 1267.
Maulana Masood Azhar, the leader of JeM, was designated as a “Global Terrorist” by the UNSC in 2019. This designation came after sustained efforts to highlight the group’s involvement in terrorist activities.
The NIA had, just a week prior, attached six immovable properties of another top JeM militant in Kashmir as part of its crackdown on terror operatives in J&K. This action underscores the ongoing efforts to weaken the operational capabilities of terrorist organizations in the region.
