In a series of coordinated actions, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have attached properties belonging to four Pakistan-based terror handlers. These actions, conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in different districts, signify an intensified effort to disrupt and dismantle terror networks operating in the region.
In north Kashmir's Sopore area of Baramulla district, police attached approximately 8,000 square feet (29 marlas) of land linked to three terror handlers: Arshid Ahmad Teli, a resident of Nowpora Tujjar; Firdous Ahmad Dar, also known as Umar Dar; and Nazir Ahmad Dar, known as Shabir Illahi, both residents of Harwan. The Sopore Police executed the attachment in collaboration with revenue authorities under Sections 82 and 83 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). These sections empower law enforcement to seize the properties of individuals declared as proclaimed offenders by a court. It´s aimed at compelling these absconding individuals to surrender and face legal proceedings. The case is linked to FIR No. 28/2008, registered at Police Station Sopore, under Sections 2/3 of the EMICO Act, Sections 120-B and 121 of the IPC, and Sections 7/25–27 of the Arms Act.
Meanwhile, in south Kashmir's Awantipora area of Pulwama district, authorities attached a smaller parcel of land, measuring around 79 square feet, belonging to Owais Feroze Mir, a Pakistan-based terror handler. This attachment was carried out under Section 88 of the CrPC, based on an order from the Court of Additional Sessions Judge, Pulwama, which serves as a Special Designated Court under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act. Mir, also a proclaimed offender, is accused of actively promoting and attempting to revive terrorist activities. Specifically, he is implicated in pushing arms and ammunition into the region and activating local terror networks.
These actions are part of a broader strategy by security forces to target the financial and logistical support structures that enable terrorist organizations to operate. By attaching properties, authorities aim to cripple the ability of these handlers to provide resources and support to militants in the region.
These recent attachments follow similar actions taken by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in other districts. Earlier this year, properties of Pakistan-based terror handlers were attached in Kupwara and Rajouri districts. In Kupwara, land belonging to Tahir Ahmad Peer and Mohammad Ramzan Ganie, both residents currently based in Pakistan, was attached. Similarly, in Rajouri, land belonging to Ishtiaq Ahmed and Zahid Ali Khan, both operating from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), was attached.
These sustained efforts highlight a multi-pronged approach to counter-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. This includes not only neutralizing active militants but also dismantling the support networks that sustain them. By targeting the properties and assets of terror handlers, authorities seek to disrupt the flow of resources, deter potential recruits, and ultimately weaken the overall terror infrastructure in the region. The police have stated that these attachments are aimed at increasing pressure on the accused to surrender before the court and face the law.
