In a crucial move aimed at dismantling terror networks and preventing the resurgence of militancy, the Jammu and Kashmir police announced the seizure of immovable properties belonging to five Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terrorists in the Gool area of Ramban district on Friday. This operation was initiated under the directive of the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Gool, which prohibits any transaction—including transfer, lease, or disposal—of these properties without prior approval from law enforcement authorities.

The properties in question are associated with terrorists who have fled to Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) and were attempting to liquidate their assets to finance militant activities in the region.

The identified terrorists include Saraj Din (48), Mohammad Ashraf (50), Reyaz Ahmed (45), Mushtaq Ahmed (47), and Farooq Ahmed (46). They crossed into PoJK to receive arms training and engage in terror activities against India. According to intelligence reports, they were seeking to sell their properties in Jammu and Kashmir, intending to use the proceeds to support terrorist operations and recruit local youth into militancy.

The seizure order from the SDPO Gool places restrictions on these properties, preventing any sale, lease, or transaction without explicit consent from the J&K Police or designated authorities. This action is part of the government’s broader counter-terrorism strategy designed to cut off funding sources for terrorism and deter local recruitment into militant ranks.

The strategic implications of this move are significant, as it eliminates a potential revenue stream that could have revitalized Hizbul Mujahideen in the region. Additionally, families of the involved individuals now face legal and financial hurdles, which may discourage them from indirectly supporting militant activities. This action also serves as a stark warning to those with extremist inclinations, aiming to dissuade them from assisting or engaging in terrorism.

According to a police spokesman, by restricting financial incentives for terrorist organizations, this action weakens their capacity to exploit and recruit vulnerable youth. The J&K administration has been actively targeting terror funding, overground worker (OGW) networks, and exfiltrated terrorists through stringent legal measures. Previous operations have significantly disrupted the terror infrastructure by blocking financial channels, neutralizing OGW support, and dismantling sleeper cells.

This latest initiative aligns with the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and underscores its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The J&K Police and security forces continue to encourage misguided youth to abandon militancy and reintegrate into society. With diminishing support networks, restricted funding, and enhanced surveillance, the viability of militant outfits is becoming increasingly tenuous.

The government’s rehabilitation strategies offer opportunities for those willing to surrender and reintegrate into the community. Security forces remain dedicated to promoting long-term peace, stability, and development in Jammu & Kashmir while taking decisive action against forces attempting to destabilize the region, the spokesman concluded.