The major action of SIA in the case related to terrorist funding in Jammu and Kashmir was raided at 8 places

Barkati, a resident of Shopian’s Jaipur, became notorious in 2016 for violent agitation through his inflammatory speeches that mobilized thousands of people on the streets.

Srinagar: In a major crackdown on terror funding in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police raided 8 locations. According to the information provided by the officials, the SIA conducted the raid in connection with a case related to the collection of donations by cleric Sarjan Barkati, who was the face of ‘anti-national’ protests in 2016 and used the said amount for personal gains. In 2016, Barkati used to instigate people to take to the streets with his speeches.

1.5 crore was raised through donations

The SIA, a subsidiary wing of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, had registered a case against Barkati earlier this year in connection with a probe into his fundraising and ‘anti-national’ speeches. According to officials, it is alleged that Rs 1.5 crore was raised through donations through suspected terrorist sources and used for personal gains, profiteering and furthering separatist-terrorist campaigns. Barkati and others are alleged to have made huge sums of money by making emotional appeals to people to fulfil their daily needs.

The plot was bought in the wife’s name and sold at a profit
A preliminary probe has revealed that Barkati diverted a major chunk of money for his personal gains and bought a plot in Anantnag city worth Rs 45 lakh in the name of his wife, which he sold at Rs 1 lakh Earned a profit of Rs 27 lakh by selling it. He has also built a palatial house with public money. Barkati also bought 5 kanals of land to set up a madrassa, which was intended to earn money and provide a platform to anti-national elements. Also, his aim was to use it to push the youth towards terrorism.

Barkati used to instigate youths,
the officials said, adding that Barkati not only raised huge sums of money through this public appeal but also laundered money received from unknown sources (suspected terrorist organisations) to sustain separatist and terrorist operations. Barkati, a resident of Shopian’s Jaipur, became notorious in 2016 for violent agitation through his inflammatory speeches that mobilized thousands of people on the streets. He was arrested during the violence that broke out after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter in 2016.

The term “SIA” could refer to multiple agencies or organizations, so it is unclear which specific entity you are referring to. However, if you are referring to the Security and Intelligence Agency, it is not clear if such an agency exists.

Regarding terrorist funding in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government has been taking various measures to counter terrorism in the region. These measures include the crackdown on sources of funding for terrorist organizations and the arrest of individuals suspected of involvement in such activities.

In August 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids in Jammu and Kashmir and arrested several individuals suspected of providing financial support to terrorist groups. The raids were conducted in various locations, including Srinagar, Anantnag, and Baramulla. The NIA also seized incriminating documents and electronic devices during the raids.

Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India that has been the centre of a long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan. The region has witnessed significant violence and terrorist activities, with various terrorist groups operating in the area and carrying out attacks against Indian security forces and civilians.

In recent years, the Indian government has been taking various measures to counter terrorism in the region. One of the key strategies has been to crack down on the sources of funding for terrorist organizations. The government has identified several channels through which terrorist groups receive funding, including donations from sympathizers, drug trafficking, and illegal arms sales.

To counter these activities, Indian security agencies have been conducting raids and arrests of individuals suspected of involvement in terrorist financing. In 2020, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested several individuals suspected of providing financial support to terrorist groups in Jammu and Kashmir. The agency also conducted raids in various locations, seizing incriminating documents and electronic devices.

In addition to cracking down on terrorist financing, the Indian government has also been taking measures to improve the socio-economic conditions in Jammu and Kashmir. The government has launched several development projects in the region aimed at creating job opportunities and improving infrastructure. These efforts are aimed at reducing the appeal of extremist ideologies and addressing the root causes of terrorism.