On March 18, the J&K State Investigation Agency (SIA) launched a search operation at eight different places to investigate the recipients of slush funds flowing through known secessionist Maulavi Sarjan Barkati of south Kashmir.
Official sources claim that more than Rs 1.5 crore in funds were raised through crowdfunding and from suspected terror sources utilised for personal benefits, profiteering and furtherance of the secessionist-terrorist campaigns.
According to Government officials that spoke about South Kashmir’s Maulavi Sarjan Barkati, “Sarjan Barkati is known for mobilising thousands onto streets during the 2016 violent agitation, through his incendiary oratory.”
“Known as the pied piper, Sarjan Barkati used to openly invite and incite youth to take to violence and pull down the Indian state in J&K”, added sources.
On March 18, Jammu & Kashmir Police reported an encounter between terrorists and security forces at the Mitrigam area of Pulwama.
According to officials, Pulwama Police and security forces are on the job.
Taking to Twitter, Kashmir Zone Police said, “#Encounter has started at Mitrigam area of #Pulwama. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice.”
#Encounter has started at Mitrigam area of #Pulwama. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow.@JmuKmrPolice
— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) March 17, 2023
The searches were part of an ongoing probe into a terror-funding case, the officials said.
