The State Investigation Agency (SIA) has made another significant seizure of assets belonging to the banned organization Jamaat-e-Islami in the Kupwara district of north Kashmir.
These assets, estimated to be worth approximately Rs 3 crores, have been subjected to usage and entry restrictions as per a notification issued by the District Magistrate (DM) of Kupwara, acting on the recommendation of the SIA, the J&K Police’s top anti-militancy probe agency.
“The primary objective behind this action is to disrupt the funding channels for secessionist activities and dismantle the network of anti-national elements and terrorist groups that pose a serious threat to the security, sovereignty, integrity, and unity of India,” an official at the SIA said.
The properties owned and controlled by the banned Jamaat-e-Islami in Kupwara have been officially acknowledged by the respective District Magistrates, exercising their authority under section 8 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and Notification No. 14017/7/2019 dated February 28, 2019, issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
The seized property encompasses a shopping complex comprising 20 shops, along with the adjacent land identified by survey numbers 2990/2666/270 and 3551/2979/263.
The complex has been sealed, and entry and usage have been strictly prohibited in accordance with the notification.
The necessary updates have been made in the relevant revenue records to reflect these actions.
With this latest development, the SIA Kashmir has identified and notified a total of 57 properties associated with Jamaat-e-Islami up to this point.
“This decisive action is expected to have a significant impact on terror funding in Jammu and Kashmir and serves as a vital step toward reestablishing the rule of law and fostering a society that is free from fear,” the police officer said.
The SIA has so far identified a total of 188 properties across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir that are linked to Jamaat-e-Islami.
These properties have either been notified or are currently in the process of being notified for further legal actions, he said.
These findings are the outcome of the ongoing investigation under FIR number 17 of 2019, registered at the Batmaloo Police Station, wherein the SIA is examining the case under sections 10, 11, and 13.
Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) is an Islamic socio-political organization that was founded in 1941 by Syed Abul Ala Maududi in Lahore, British India (now Pakistan). Its ideology is based on the principles of Islamic revivalism, advocating for the establishment of an Islamic state governed by Sharia law.
Jamaat-e-Islami expanded its presence beyond Pakistan and established branches in various countries, including India. In Jammu and Kashmir, the organization gained significant influence and support among the Muslim population.
Over the years, Jamaat-e-Islami in Jammu and Kashmir has been accused of promoting separatist ideologies and advocating for the region’s secession from India. The organization has been involved in various political, social, and educational activities, with an aim to promote its vision of an Islamic society.
In February 2019, New Delhi banned Jamaat-e-Islami in Jammu and Kashmir under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The ban was imposed due to concerns over the organization’s alleged involvement in anti-national activities, incitement of violence, and links to extremist elements.
Since the ban, authorities have been taking actions to curb the activities and influence of Jamaat-e-Islami in the region. These include identifying and seizing the organization’s assets, restricting its funding sources, and conducting investigations to dismantle its network.
The government’s actions against Jamaat-e-Islami are part of broader efforts to maintain law and order, counter separatist movements, and ensure the security and integrity of Jammu and Kashmir. The State Investigation Agency (SIA) has been actively involved in investigating and taking legal action against the organization and its associated properties in the region.
