Srinagar, July 22, KDC: In one of the largest counter-terrorism operations in recent years, Jammu and Kashmir Police have detained nearly 3,000 suspected Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and other suspects during intelligence-based raids conducted across all districts of the Kashmir Valley following the terrorist attack earlier in the day in Anantnag that claimed the life of a police head constable.
Official sources told Kashmir Dot Com (KDC) that the detentions were made during coordinated operations carried out simultaneously across all police districts, including Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam, Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Sopore, Kupwara, Bandipora, Awantipora, and Handwara . The detained individuals are undergoing sustained questioning and verification in accordance with established legal procedures to identify possible terror links and dismantle support networks of terrorist organisations.
The Valley-wide crackdown involved district-wide raids and search operations in all districts, with police and security forces conducting searches at hundreds of suspected terrorist hideouts, residences of suspected OGWs and other locations identified through intelligence inputs. Officials said the searches were aimed at collecting evidence, identifying suspects and preventing terrorist elements and their facilitators from carrying out unlawful activities.
According to officials, the ongoing investigation is focused on identifying and neutralising networks that allegedly provide logistical, financial, communication, transportation, shelter and other forms of assistance to terrorist groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
Security has been significantly strengthened across the Valley, with additional deployments at vulnerable locations, intensified vehicle checking, reinforced nakas, area domination patrols and heightened surveillance to prevent any attempt to disturb peace and public order. Officials said the operations also serve as a preventive measure to maintain law and order and deter anti-national elements from exploiting the prevailing security situation.
The intensified operations were launched following Wednesday’s terror attack in Anantnag, where Head Constable Aashiq Hussain Qureshi of the 3rd Battalion of the Indian Reserve Police (IRP), attached with Anantnag Police, was killed after a terrorist opened fire on him near Lal Chowk.
Officials said the ongoing operations are aimed at identifying terrorist associates, dismantling logistical and financial support networks and preventing any further terrorist activity. Further legal action, they said, will be taken on the basis of evidence gathered during the searches and the outcome of the questioning of the detained suspects.
Senior police officers said the intelligence-led operations would continue in close coordination with other security and intelligence agencies to eliminate the ecosystem supporting terrorism and bring those responsible for the Anantnag attack, along with their support network, to justice.
The intensified operations also come amid heightened security arrangements for the Shri Amarnath Yatra, which has remained suspended since July 19 due to inclement weather. Security has been further reinforced along the Yatra route and in adjoining districts following the Anantnag terror attack.
Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peace and security, police said every possible measure would be taken to safeguard the lives of citizens and ensure that individuals involved in supporting terrorism are identified and dealt with strictly under the law. (KDC)
