SRINAGAR — Director General of Police (DGP) J&K RR Swain on Sunday announced that the police intend to invoke the Enemy Agents Act/Ordinance, a statute more severe than the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). This Act mandates a minimum sentence of life imprisonment for individuals who support and abet foreign terrorists in carrying out attacks.
Swain disclosed that the investigation into the recent terror attack in the Hiranagar area of Kathua district, where two Pakistani terrorists were neutralized and a CRPF jawan was martyred, has been transferred to the State Investigation Agency (SIA). The number of arrests in this case has now increased to six.
ALSO READ: Fallen hero Cop never saw son’s first birthday – THE NEW INDIAN
The UT police chief made this statement while speaking to reporters after inaugurating the Cyber Police Station at Bagh-e-Bahu on the outskirts of the city this evening.
“I have consulted with a senior law officer of the Police Department regarding the application of the Enemy Agents Ordinance Act, particularly against those who aid and abet Pakistani terrorists. These individuals will be treated as Enemy Agents. The Enemy Agents Act imposes life imprisonment or the death penalty, with no alternative punishments. This Act, introduced in 1948 to counter Pakistani raiders or invaders, is much harsher than the UAPA,” the DGP explained.
ALSO READ: Tribunal confirms 5-year ban on two Jammu & Kashmir groups – THE NEW INDIAN
He noted that the Enemy Agents Act or Ordinance was specifically designed to target foreigners, particularly Pakistani invaders, who seek to disrupt and destabilize the lawfully elected government and propagate their ideology.
“The terrorists themselves do not fall under the purview of this Act as they face kinetic action. However, those who support foreign terrorists will be treated as Enemy Agents,” Swain stated, adding that the investigating agencies will enforce the Enemy Agents Act.