J&K Police Invoke PSA Against 23 in Srinagar Amid SIA Raids
In a decisive move aimed at tightening the security landscape in the Kashmir Valley, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have invoked the Public Safety Act (PSA) against 23 individuals in Srinagar. This development comes as the State Investigation Agency (SIA) continues to execute widespread anti-terror raids across the region, intensifying efforts to dismantle terror infrastructure and its support systems.
Public Safety Act Invoked in Srinagar
The PSA, which allows for preventive detention without trial for up to two years, was used against what police described as “subversive and criminal elements” who posed a sustained threat to law and order. For the first time, the police made public the number of individuals detained under the PSA in the city, signaling a more assertive and transparent approach to law enforcement.
Officials stated that those detained had continued involvement with banned terrorist organizations and criminal networks, despite having been previously arrested and even released on bail. As a precautionary measure, the 23 detainees have been shifted to jails outside the Kashmir Valley to curb any potential for further disruption.
SIA’s Ongoing Anti-Terror Operations
Running parallel to the PSA detentions, the SIA has launched an aggressive series of raids across various districts in Kashmir. These include searches of properties linked to suspected overground workers (OGWs) and individuals believed to be aiding terrorist activities.
The raids, conducted under high security, have resulted in the seizure of digital devices, documents, and other materials suspected to be linked to anti-national conspiracies. Several individuals have also been taken into custody for interrogation, with the agency stressing that its mission is to root out the entire “terror ecosystem” embedded within civilian structures.
SIA officials have reiterated that these operations are not one-off actions but part of a coordinated counter-terrorism campaign. The focus remains on eliminating financial and logistical support systems that enable extremist activities in the region.
Implications and Reactions
The dual approach of invoking the PSA and conducting extensive SIA raids reflects the government’s broader policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. However, these actions have reignited debate over the use of preventive detention laws, with human rights advocates cautioning against potential misuse.
The PSA, first enacted in 1978, has long been criticized for bypassing judicial oversight and allegedly enabling arbitrary detentions. Despite these concerns, officials argue that the law remains a vital tool for maintaining public order in a region frequently targeted by cross-border terror operations.
As authorities continue to push forward with their security measures, the need to strike a balance between national security imperatives and civil liberties remains central to the evolving narrative in Jammu and Kashmir. The latest crackdown indicates that the state intends to move decisively against any individual or group suspected of undermining the region’s fragile peace.
