Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!š Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU/KASHMIR: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has achieved a significant breakthrough in its sustained efforts to dismantle the narco-terror ecosystem operating in Jammu & Kashmir with the arrest of an absconding operative who had been evading arrest for nearly four years.
In a major success, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has arrested Manoj Kumar Bhat alias Pintu, son of P.K. Bhat and resident of Rehari Colony, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu, in a special operation conducted in Jammu. The accused is wanted in connection with FIR No. 13/2022 of SIA Kashmir, registered on June 3, 2022, concerning the smuggling of narcotics from across the LoC and the alleged channelisation of proceeds from their sale towards financing terrorist activities.
The arrest marks an important development in the investigation of a wider narco-terror conspiracy allegedly backed by Pakistan/PoK-based operatives of the terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). According to the investigation, narcotics were allegedly trafficked into J&K, distributed through an established network, and the proceeds generated from their sale subsequently channelised into activities intended to sustain and further the terrorist ecosystem.
Nearly Four Years of Evasion Ends
According to the SIA, Manoj Kumar Bhat alias Pintu had been evading arrest for almost four years since the registration of the case. His apprehension was the result of sustained and strenuous efforts by SIA Kashmir involving continuous technical surveillance, human intelligence and coordinated investigative measures.
The arrested accused is alleged to have played a role in facilitating the sale and distribution network of narcotics in the Jammu division, thereby contributing to the financial pipeline of the larger narco-terror network.
The investigation has also established alleged linkages with Pakistan/PoK-based terrorist handlers, including Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo alias Kandoo, son of Ab. Khaliq Kandoo, resident of Kralteng, Sopore, and Manzoor Ahmad Khan, son of Late Ab. Majeed Khan, resident of Braman Panzala, Baramulla. The SIA said these individuals arranged and facilitated the trafficking of narcotics from PoK, which were subsequently collected, distributed and sold through the network operating within J&K.
Narcotics-Terror Financing Nexus Under Probe
The investigation assumes particular significance in view of the established pattern of alleged narco-terror financing, wherein proceeds generated through narcotics trafficking are diverted towards sustaining terrorist activities.
The SIA said the case demonstrates how the terror ecosystem seeks to exploit the narcotics trade as an alternative and covert source of funding. By targeting the entire chaināfrom cross-LoC narcotics trafficking and local distribution to the financial proceeds generated from the tradeāthe agency is pursuing the broader objective of financially strangulating and dismantling the support structures that sustain terrorism.
Heroin, Poppy Straw and Electronic Devices Recovered
The case was initially registered following the recovery of 1 kg of heroin from Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi and Waseem Ahmad Khan at Nowpora, Sopore. Subsequent investigation resulted in the recovery of 7 kg of poppy straw and 4 kg of poppy seeds.
Earlier, 15 grams of heroin had also been recovered from the residential premises of Manoj Kumar Bhat alias Pintu by the SIA. One motorcycle and electronic gadgets have also been seized and are presently under forensic and technical examination.
Multiple Charge-Sheets Filed
During the course of investigation, SIA Kashmir has filed multiple charge-sheets before the competent Court against several accused for judicial determination. These include Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi of Muqdam Mohalla, Radbugh Drugmulla, Kupwara; Waseem Ahmad Khan of Rangai, Uri, Baramulla; Bashir Ahmad Koli of Churanda, Uri, Baramulla; Mohammad Ashraf Lone of Saidpora Rohama, Baramulla; Mohammad Saleem Khan of Kalgai Ramgai, Uri, Baramulla; and Zafraan Khan of Dawran, Uri, Baramulla.
The investigation has further revealed the alleged involvement of a broader network associated with terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen and its Pakistan/PoK-based handlers.
SIA Vows to Pursue the Entire Network
The arrest of Manoj Kumar Bhat alias Pintu is particularly significant, the SIA said, as it demonstrates the agency's continued pursuit of absconders, facilitators, financiers and handlers, irrespective of the passage of time.
Notably, SIA Kashmir has also secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against terrorist handler and alleged narco-terror kingpin Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo in a separate terror-related case. The action reflects the agency's sustained efforts to pursue Pakistan-based handlers and other fugitives allegedly involved in directing and financing terrorist activities in J&K.
The latest arrest is expected to assist investigators in unravelling further layers of the alleged conspiracy, identifying additional linkages, tracing the financial trail and establishing the complete chain connecting narcotics trafficking with terror financing.
SIA Kashmir reiterated its resolve to continue its campaign against the terror ecosystem, its facilitators, financiers and sources of sustenance. The investigation remains ongoing and will continue until all persons found involved in the alleged conspiracy are brought before the law and the complete network responsible for facilitating the narco-terror financing pipeline is dismantled.
