Srinagar, May 30: The counter-intelligence wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday carried out searches at multiple locations across Kashmir as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected terror links.

A statement issued by the counter-intelligence wing said, “Today’s operations are part of a larger probe to track individuals suspected of having ties with terrorist outfits.”

Counter-intelligence teams carried out coordinated raids at undisclosed locations to seize evidence related to terror networks operating in the region.

Security in sensitive areas was also tightened as a precautionary measure, the statement added.

Friday’s operation came amid increased efforts by security agencies to root out terror-related activities in Kashmir following several incidents in the recent past that raised concerns over renewed attempts to destabilise peace in the region.

The counter-intelligence wing’s raids come at a time when Union Home Minister Amit Shah is on a visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

Only last week, in a significant operation targeting the terror ecosystem in Jammu province, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu and Kashmir Police carried out coordinated raids at 18 locations across four districts, resulting in the recovery of substantial incriminating material.

“The meticulously planned raids were executed simultaneously by specialised SIA teams, supported by local police and magistrates, as part of the agency’s ongoing campaign to dismantle sleeper cells and disrupt terror networks in the region.

“Of the 18 locations raided, 12 were in Surankote subdivision and three in Haveli tehsil of Poonch district. Additional operations were conducted at one location each in Rajouri town (Rajouri district), Ramnagar (Udhampur district), and Ramban. A considerable quantity of incriminating material has been seized, which has been secured in accordance with established legal protocols,” it said.

The seized material is currently under detailed scrutiny, and further investigation is underway.

Several suspects have been summoned to join the investigation at SIA Jammu.

“These actions follow the development of actionable intelligence and inputs gathered during the SIA’s sustained efforts to uncover and neutralise terror-support structures operating covertly within Jammu province.

Thiruvananthapuram, May 29: The Kerala government on Thursday declared the wreckage of the Liberian ship M/s ELSA 3 in the Arabian Sea 14.6 nautical miles off the Kerala coast as a state-specific disaster.

A statement issued from the office of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the ship, M/s MSC ELSA-3, carrying more than 643 containers, was reported to have capsized on May 25 off the Kerala Coast near Thottappalli in Alappuzha District.

“The maritime incident has raised serious environmental concerns, including the potential for an oil spill and drifting of debris, including cargo, along Kerala’s coastline. Considering the potentially serious environmental, social, and economic impact of the ship wreckage, the Government hereby declare the wreckage of the ship M/s ELSA 3 in the Arabian Sea 14.6 nautical miles off the Kerala coast as a State-Specific disaster,” said the statement.

This fresh development comes at a time when the Kerala government is seriously contemplating legal proceedings against the ship’s owners after fishermen’s associations have demanded appropriate compensation, fearing that the chemicals could cause long-term damage to marine life and jeopardise their livelihoods.

The Vijayan government is awaiting a response from legal experts dealing with marine topics to go forward with legal steps.

On Thursday, the containers that had been cleared from near the coast of Kollam and were being readied for transportation caught fire.

But the fire was quickly doused.

The vessel, which had reported listing approximately 38 nautical miles off the Kochi coast, ultimately sank into the Arabian Sea on Sunday morning.

In a related development, the ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) on Thursday launched a study to assess the changes in the marine environment following the shipwreck.

The study is currently being conducted by four different teams on the coastal areas of Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts.

The teams are collecting water, phytoplankton and sediment samples from 10 stations in these districts at regular intervals for the investigation.

According to CMFRI Director Grinson George, the study aims to understand various types of marine pollution associated with the shipwreck.

Srinagar, May 29: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the deployment of 581 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to Jammu and Kashmir for providing massive security to the Amarnath Yatra 2025 beginning on July 3.

The MHA has approved the deployment to provide security to the pilgrims, official sources said on Thursday.

The decision comes ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s two-day visit to the union territory.

The ministry has authorised the J&K administration and police to utilise 156 CAPF companies already stationed in the region.

“These include 91 CRPF, 30 SSB, 15 CISF, 13 BSF, and 7 ITBP units, each comprising around 75 to 80 personnel.

“MHA will dispatch an additional 425 companies by June 10, which will include 130 BSF, 128 CRPF (including five women’s units), 67 SSB, 55 ITBP, and 45 CISF companies. The forces will be on duty till the conclusion of the yatra on August 9, after which they will be de-inducted.

“A communication regarding the same has been sent to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of J&K on May 23. The MHA had responded to a formal request from the J&K government dated May 20, seeking additional forces to ensure a safe and peaceful pilgrimage season,” sources said.

This year’s Amarnath Yatra begins on July 3 and will end on August 9, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan and Shravan Purnima festivals.

The Amarnath cave shrine is situated 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas. The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon.

Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. They approach the cave shrine either from the traditional longer Pahalgam route in Anantnag district or the shorter Baltal route in Ganderbal district.