Srinagar: The National Investigation Agency has identified 12 suspects who were allegedly in touch with different Pakistan- based handlers during the probe related to militant activities and targeting of minority members, officials said on Wednesday.

The anti-terror agency said searches were conducted at 14 locations in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab during the probe of a case.

In Jammu and Kashmir the searches were conducted by NIA in Srinagar, Baramulla, Pulwama, Anantnag, Budgam and Kathua districts.

Search was also conducted at Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab, they said.

The case was registered suo-moto in June 2022 by the NIA, against overground workers and cadres of various proscribed militant outfits and their affiliates and off-shoots, who were operating under various pseudo names on the commands of their Pakistani commanders or handlers.

The NIA said the case relates to a terror conspiracy hatched by Pakistan-based commanders of proscribed terrorist organisations to radicalize youth of J&K and target members of minority communities, security personnel and religious events/activities.

"During investigations, 12 suspects were identified who were in touch with different Pakistan based handlers,” NIA spokesperson said. “The accused were also found involved in spreading terror in J&K over cyber-space.”

The NIA said digital devices and incriminating material were seized from these locations on Tuesday.

“Further investigations in the case are in progress," the spokesperson said.

(With UNI inputs)