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New Delhi/Srinagar: A major breach of national security has been exposed following the crackdown at several places this week by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is now investigating the role and involvement of public servants who had allegedly conspired to issue licences to non-residents of Jammu and Kashmir across many districts in the Kashmir valley that has remained affected by cross-border terrorism for a long period of time.

The CBI on Monday conducted raids at 13 locations spread over Srinagar, Jammu, Gurgaon and Noida at the premises of then District Collector/ District Magsitrate Kupwara, Barmula, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Sopian, Rajouri, Doda, and Pulwama in connection with investigation of two cases related to allegations that around 200,000 Arms Licences from different Districts of Jammu & Kashmir were issued by their respective DC/DM. Incriminating documents have been recovered and these were being scrutinised by the CBI.

CBI has registered two cases on the consent of J & K Government and further Notification from Government of India in this matter. This has been possible only due to the withdrawal of special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370. Under the old dispensation, it would not have been possible for the CBI to go ahead with its investigation where as now there is total coordination between the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir Government and both are on the same page when it comes to national security and law and order.

After CBI took over the case, searches were also conducted earlier at 11 places including Srinagar, Udhampur & Jammu at private gun houses. The raids led to recovery of incriminating documents including fresh issue and renewal of arms licenses, blank application forms submitted for various licences, money transactions of gun dealers with licencees, blank NOC purportedly issued by District Magistrates and other documents.

It is alleged that the public servants holding public offices during the period in question had conspired, received gratification and were instrumental in issuing licences to non-residents of J&K.