NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its ongoing crackdown on terror networks operating in Jammu and Kashmir by attaching two properties belonging to an accused involved in a Pakistan-backed terror conspiracy case in Baramulla district. The move is part of the agency’s sustained efforts to dismantle the logistical, financial and operational infrastructure supporting terrorist organisations active in the Union Territory.
According to the NIA, the action was taken against Shaheen Ahmad Lone, who has been accused of playing a significant role in facilitating terrorist activities by smuggling arms, ammunition and explosives from Pakistan into India through the Line of Control (LoC). Investigators said the seized weapons were subsequently supplied to operatives associated with banned terror organisations operating in Kashmir.
The agency stated that Lone was allegedly linked to Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), two Pakistan-backed terrorist groups that have long been involved in carrying out attacks and destabilising activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities believe his role extended beyond smuggling operations and included financial support mechanisms that helped sustain terror networks.
The latest action was carried out under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, following orders issued by the NIA Special Court in Jammu. The properties attached are located in Kanispora village of Baramulla district and include a residential house built on approximately 7.5 marlas of land and another six-marla plot that contains a shed structure.
Officials said attaching the properties sends a strong message that individuals involved in terrorism or supporting terrorist activities will face severe legal and financial consequences. By targeting assets acquired or used by accused persons, authorities aim to weaken the ecosystem that enables terrorism to survive.
Background of the case
The case dates back to 2020, when the NIA launched an investigation into a larger terror conspiracy involving the infiltration of weapons and the movement of funds intended for militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The investigation uncovered an organised network allegedly working across borders to facilitate terrorist operations inside India.
According to investigators, Shaheen Ahmad Lone was actively involved in receiving consignments of arms and explosives smuggled through the LoC. The agency further alleged that he coordinated the transfer of these materials to terrorists operating in the Kashmir Valley.
NIA officials also found evidence suggesting that Lone was engaged in handling and transferring money that eventually reached terrorist operatives. Such financial channels are considered crucial for sustaining recruitment, logistics, transportation and the execution of terror attacks.
Arrest and chargesheet
Lone was arrested by the NIA in September 2020 after investigators gathered evidence regarding his alleged involvement in the terror conspiracy. Following months of investigation, the agency filed a chargesheet against him in March 2021 under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The trial against him is currently underway before the NIA Special Court in Jammu. The case, registered as RC-01/2020/NIA/JMU, continues to be one of several investigations linked to cross-border terrorism and terror financing in the region.
Over the years, the NIA has adopted a multi-pronged strategy that includes arrests, financial probes, property attachments and the disruption of communication channels used by terror operatives. Security agencies have increasingly focused on targeting not only active militants but also their support networks, including overground workers, financiers and facilitators.
Continuing anti-terror operations
The latest attachment reflects India’s broader counter-terrorism policy of dismantling entire terror ecosystems rather than limiting action to armed militants alone. Officials have repeatedly stressed that cutting off funding sources, weapons supply chains and support systems is essential to preventing future attacks.
Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed several such enforcement actions in recent years as agencies continue to identify individuals accused of aiding terrorist organisations. Authorities maintain that cross-border support from Pakistan remains a major challenge and that sustained intelligence-based operations are necessary to curb infiltration attempts.
The NIA said it will continue pursuing all individuals connected to terror conspiracies and will use all available legal provisions to ensure accountability. The agency added that investigations into terror financing and cross-border support structures remain a top national security priority.
With the attachment of these properties, authorities have once again signalled their intent to strike at the roots of terrorism by targeting both operatives and the networks that sustain them.
