The case stems from credible intelligence inputs indicating that certain individuals in Jammu and Kashmir were "exploiting" platforms linked to mass media, social media, human rights advocacy, environmental causes and women empowerment as a "cover to carry out activities gravely prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity and security of India," they said.

"Discreet verification further revealed their suspected links with secessionist groups and proscribed terrorist organisations," an official said.

Investigations also brought to light that some of these individuals were allegedly in contact with Pakistan-based terror handlers using encrypted communication applications.

"They are suspected to have been actively involved in peddling false narratives, glorifying terrorists and terrorism, radicalising impressionable youth, and systematically attempting to disrupt public order and peace in Jammu & Kashmir," the official said.

Acting on these inputs, 12 locations in Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kupwara, Budgam and Shopian were identified and searched.

During the operation, 12 suspects were detained for questioning.

A substantial cache of incriminating digital material was seized, including 10 mobile phones, a laptop and 14 SIM cards, all of which are now under detailed forensic examination, the officials said.

"The operation has successfully dismantled a dangerous covert network that sought to exploit the credibility of social causes to advance terror agendas. The seized digital evidence is expected to unravel deeper layers of the conspiracy, and further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses," the official said.

The investigation is on to unearth the full scale of the conspiracy, identify other conspirators and associates and expose their chain of communication with terrorist-secessionist handlers sitting across the border, the officials said.