Kathua Attack Probe Handed Over to SIA.

||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh June 24, 2024||

JAMMU : In a decisive move to intensify the crackdown on terrorism, Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain announced today that the Jammu and Kashmir police will invoke the stringent Enemy Agents Act against individuals aiding Pakistani terrorists. This law, significantly harsher than the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), mandates life imprisonment or the death penalty as the sole punishments.

During a press briefing following the inauguration of a Cyber Police Station at Bagh-e-Bahu on the outskirts of Jammu, Swain highlighted the gravity of supporting foreign terrorists. “I have consulted a senior law officer to determine the applicability of the Enemy Agents Ordinance Act against those who support Pakistani terrorists. Such individuals will be classified as Enemy Agents and face the full weight of the law,” Swain stated.

The Enemy Agents Act, originally introduced in 1948 to combat Pakistani raiders, is designed to address threats posed by foreign invaders aiming to destabilize the government and spread their ideology. Swain emphasized that while foreign terrorists face kinetic action, their local supporters will be prosecuted under this Act, ensuring severe repercussions for their actions.

Kathua Attack Probe Handed Over to SIA…

The terror attack in Hiranagar, Kathua district, where two Pakistani terrorists were killed and a CRPF jawan was martyred, has seen significant developments. Swain revealed that the investigation has been transferred to the State Investigation Agency (SIA), with six arrests made so far. He affirmed that special courts would be established to expedite the trials of those arrested under the Enemy Agents Ordinance.

Swain asserted that the battle against terrorism, supported by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and local communities, is far from over. “There are inevitable losses in this fight, but we will ultimately prevail,” he reassured, adding that the goal is to neutralize the terrorists within two to three months.

Enhanced Investigations and Tactical Responses…

Reflecting on the broader security landscape, Swain advocated for the involvement of professional investigating agencies in major terror attacks to uncover intricate conspiracies and identify all facilitators. The recent Reasi terror attack, for instance, is under the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) scrutiny, with the main conspirator already apprehended.

Addressing recent encounters in Chattergalla and Gandoh, Doda district, Swain clarified these were proactive operations targeting terrorists without civilian casualties. He downplayed the impact of Pakistani regulars among the terrorists, affirming that all enemies, regardless of their origin, would be treated with equal severity.

Cyber Warfare and Terrorism…

The DGP highlighted the growing threat of cyber warfare, noting that the internet has become a crucial tool for sustaining terrorism and separatism in Jammu and Kashmir. “Approximately 75% of the challenges we face are linked to cyber activities, with Pakistani handlers using virtual platforms to coordinate infiltrations and smuggle weapons,” Swain explained.

He underscored the necessity of addressing the security challenges posed by foreign communication platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, which bypass national telecom regulations. This issue, he said, has been raised at the highest levels of government.

Strengthening Cyber Defenses…

Swain emphasized the importance of strengthening cyber police stations to combat cybercrime effectively. He acknowledged that Jammu and Kashmir had previously neglected cybercrime, but now each of the 20 revenue districts and three police districts in the Union Territory has a dedicated cyber police station.

Cybercrimes, predominantly involving financial fraud and exploitation, are increasingly sophisticated, often involving international perpetrators. Swain stressed that combating these crimes requires a robust and adaptable approach, with a focus on protecting national security without compromising individual privacy.

In conclusion, DGP RR Swain’s statements mark a pivotal moment in Jammu and Kashmir’s fight against terrorism. By invoking the Enemy Agents Act and bolstering cyber defenses, the police are sending a clear message: those who support terrorism, whether through direct action or cyberspace, will face the harshest possible consequences. This comprehensive strategy aims to dismantle terror networks and ensure lasting peace and security in the region.