The National Investigation Agency searched seven residential premises across the Kashmir Valley on Saturday. Security teams targeted locations in south and north Kashmir to investigate a Lashkar-e-Taiba cross-border terror network. The case involves Pakistan-based handlers and local facilitators who helped smuggle weapons and explosives across the border.
Officials confirmed this is the second arrest warrant issued against him within two months. Officials carried out search operations at two locations in Kulgam district, three in Bandipora district, and two in the Sopore area of Baramulla district. Officers from the agency worked alongside local police and security forces to search homes linked to the investigation. Officers stated that the probe is still active and more details will emerge as teams examine recovered materials. Investigators found evidence of a wider network managed by Pakistan-based handlers who used local helpers in the valley. These local helpers provided shelter, transport, communication tools, and information about security movements to infiltrated terrorists. Authorities have already arrested Pakistani nationals linked to the scheme and mapped out the roles of local facilitators to dismantle the support structure. The order came after investigators presented evidence linking the terrorist leader to cross border arms supply and funding operations in Kashmir.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a special National Investigation Agency court in Jammu issued a fresh non-bailable warrant against Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed on 8 September.
Origins of the Kashmir terror conspiracy case
Officers recovered a hand grenade and live ammunition from the rider, who was identified as a local worker for Lashkar-e-Taiba. The special judge of the National Investigation Agency court in Jammu reviewed the evidence before issuing the order. The judge stated in court: Indian authorities continue to demand his custody to face trial. Indian intelligence agencies maintain that influential groups inside the Pakistani establishment continue to protect him from complete legal accountability.
The case began on March 31, 2026, when local police stopped a motorcyclist during a late-night checkpoint operation near Zakoora in Srinagar. Police registered initial charges before the central agency took over the case as RC-02/2026/NIA/JMU, applying counter-terrorism, arms, and explosive laws. However, Pakistani officials state that the 76-year-old is serving over 30 years in prison at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore after convictions by a local anti-terrorism court for financing illegal activities.
