Police Launch Crackdown on Separatist Network Linked to Ghulam Nabi Fai

SRINAGAR: Budgam Police on Monday carried out a large-scale crackdown on a network linked to Ghulam Nabi Fai alias Dr Fai, a native of Wadwan Budgam, presently residing in the United States of America.

The operation, officials said, was conducted at multiple locations across the district as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle separatist infrastructure and networks operating in support of banned organisations. Several premises were searched, and multiple individuals were detained for questioning during the coordinated action.

According to police, Dr Fai is a key accused in FIR No. 46/2020 registered at Police Station Budgam under Sections 10, 13, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Section 66 of the IT Act. On April 30, 2025, the Court of the Special Judge NIA, Budgam, declared him a proclaimed offender in connection with the case. Police have also initiated proceedings for the attachment of his immovable property under relevant legal provisions.

Dr Fai, police said, heads the Washington-based Kashmiri American Council (KAC), an organisation allegedly backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), known for propagating anti-India narratives on Kashmir. In a recent interview with a Turkey-based media outlet, Dr Fai reportedly made statements endorsing the banned outfit JKLF (Y), which was declared unlawful.

Officials added that Budgam Police has intensified its ongoing campaign against Jammu and Kashmir Nationals Operating from Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (JKNOPs), as well as against SIM card vendors aiding communication channels used in terror or separatist activities. (KNT)