Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) authorities have initiated proceedings to declare hundreds of terrorists who have sought refuge in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as “proclaimed offenders” and are attaching their properties. These individuals, involved in terrorist activities in India before fleeing to PoK, may lose their assets as part of efforts to combat terrorism. The move aims to target those who have sought refuge across the border and are believed to be promoting terrorism from there. Additionally, properties of individuals accused of knowingly sheltering terrorists are being attached, with a focus on sparing innocent individuals who may have been coerced into providing shelter.
In a recent development, 16 locals who had taken refuge in PoK were declared “proclaimed offenders” in Doda district, where their properties have been seized. The J&K Police’s Intelligence wing has compiled a list of over 4,200 such individuals, most of whom have been in PoK since 1990. Details of their properties have been shared with the Inspector-General of Registrations and Revenue, preventing the sale or transfer of assets owned by “proclaimed offenders.”
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha of J&K has urged residents not to provide shelter to such individuals. The central government remains committed to eradicating terrorism and its ecosystem from the region. In the 1990s, thousands of youth crossed the Line of Control into PoK for arms training, with many returning to engage in terrorist activities in Kashmir. Although some individuals returned as part of the “surrender and rehabilitation” policy in 2010, over 4,000 are believed to still be in PoK. Security agencies have been targeting terror-financing activities and support bases, including attaching the property of J&K natives who became terrorists in PoK.
This effort reflects a broader strategy to counter terrorism and ensure the safety and security of the region’s residents.
Sources By Agencies