NIA conducts searches at multiple locations in J&K in cross LoC trade case

New Delhi, October 4

The NIA alongwith other security forces-J&K Police, CRPF and ITBP, conducted searches at nine locations in Poonch district of Jammu & Kashmir at the premises of the suspected LoC traders.

This case was registered in December 2016 by NIA under Section 17 of UA(P) Act, 1967. LoC Trade was started in the year 2008 as a part of confidence-building measure between J&K and PoK. 

The officials said the trade was based on barter system and third party origin goods were not allowed. The case is related to the large scale transfer of funds from Pakistan to India through the import of California Almonds (badam-giri) and other items via the Cross LoC Trade Facilitation Centres (TFCs) located at Salamabad, Uri, District Baramulla and Chakkan-Da-Bag, District Poonch. These funds were purportedly being used for fomenting terrorism / separatism in Jammu & Kashmir.

The NIA  investigation into the case revealed that some of the traders having excess imports were channelizing the surplus profit generated to terror organizations while others are suspected to have links / connections with proscribed terrorist organizations.

During the searches conducted, documents, digital devices and other incriminating materials were recovered from the premises of the suspects, NIA added.

The NIA is further investigating the case. continues.