NIA Seizes 403 Properties of Suspected Terrorists ,Naxal Since 2019
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has seized 403 properties linked to suspected terrorists since 2019, following amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The seizures span various regions, with the highest numbers in Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has seized a total of 403 properties related to suspected terrorists from 2019 until May 16, 2024. This significant action follows the amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2019, which empowered the NIA's director general to approve property seizures in cases under the agency's investigation. Previously, such actions required approval from the state's Director General of Police (DGP).
Breakdown of Seizures
Jharkhand: The highest number of properties seized were in Jharkhand, with 206 properties linked to left-wing extremism (LWE) cases.
Jammu and Kashmir: In Jammu and Kashmir, 100 properties were attached, mostly related to terrorists and separatist leaders. Notably, seven properties belonging to Sartaj Ahmed Mantoo, a member of the banned Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, were among the latest seizures. Mantoo, who was arrested on January 31, 2020, was found in possession of arms, ammunition, and explosives. He was charge-sheeted by the NIA on July 27, 2020, and is currently on trial.
Other Regions:
- Kochi: 19 properties seized in connection with ISIS-inspired modules.
- Hyderabad: 4 properties attached.
- Chennai: 3 properties seized.
- Mumbai: 5 properties confiscated.
- Chandigarh: 33 properties linked to pro-Khalistan elements and others seized.
- Delhi: 22 properties related to gangster-terrorist syndicates and pro-Khalistan elements attached.
Pro-Khalistan Elements
Many of the seized properties are linked to pro-Khalistan elements, including those associated with Sikhs For Justice (SJF) chief Gurupatwant Singh Pannun and the deceased Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Summary of Actions
This aggressive approach by the NIA reflects a strengthened legal framework and streamlined approval processes post-2019 amendments. The agency's ability to act swiftly against properties associated with terrorism aims to curb financial and logistical support for terrorist activities across various regions in India.
