Special Correspondent: Indian forces and investigating agencies on Sunday launched a massive crackdown across Sopore and adjoining areas in Baramulla district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, conducting searches at 26 locations in connection with a fake case registered under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against the Jamaat-e-Islami of the territory.

According to Kashmir Media Service, multiple teams of Indian forces and investigating agencies were deployed across the areas as residential and other premises were searched as part of an ongoing investigation into individuals and locations linked to the Jamaat-e-Islami.

Restrictions have been intensified around the locations where the searches are being conducted.

The latest crackdown comes amid continued use of the UAPA and other stringent laws by Indian authorities in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, particularly against political and religious organisations, activists and individuals associated with the Jamaat.

The authorities have not disclosed the identities of those targeted in Sunday’s searches or confirmed whether any arrests have been made. They have also not released details of any material or evidence allegedly recovered during the operation.

The searches have caused concern among residents as repeated raids and investigations under draconian laws have become a regular feature of the military crackdown across the occupied territory.

Rights advocates have repeatedly raised concerns over the broad application of the draconian laws and their impact on civil liberties and political activity in the territory.