The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched an investigation into the imports of California almonds through two-trade routes in Jammu & Kashmir from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). They are suspecting that through this the terrorists transferring a large-scale of funds from across the border to increase terror activities in the state.

The NIA stated in a statement that the investigation teams conducted searches and they seized several documents related to the exchange of California almonds at several places in Jammu and Kashmir. The documents showed that the PoK traders were sending and receiving California almonds and the terrorists used the money to fund terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir.

The searches were carried out at the two Trade Facilitation Centres (TFC) in Chakkan-da-Bagh in Poonch district and in Salamabad-Uri in Baramulla district.

In 2008, the two routes were opened to enhance direct trade between J&K and the PoK.

The statement added, “This is in gross violation of the state policy of prohibition on trade in ‘third-party origin goods’ through this mechanism and information indicated that these funds are being used for fomenting terrorism and separatism in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.”

Following the directions from the Union home ministry, the NIA has registered an FIR and it has been registered under the relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

According to the cross-Line of Control agreement between India and Pakistan, the products which are grown on both sides of J&K can exchange under the barter system including California almonds which are grown in PoK.

Earlier, dupatta (stole) and clothes were being used to fund terror groups.

The investigating agency has found that terror group Hijbul Mujahideen had sent terrorists to PoK as traders. According to NIA, when theses terrorists returned from the PoK they had huge money and weapons with them. They also found that Rs 80 crore had come into the Valley in different instalments.