Security forces have intensified counter-terror operations across the Kashmir Valley, arresting around 20 suspected over-ground workers (OGWs) in the past 10 days as part of a drive to dismantle networks allegedly supporting terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
The arrests were made during separate operations in different districts, including two suspected OGWs in Kulgam, eight people, including women, in Bandipora, and 10 in Shopian. Security forces have also stepped up surprise checks, established special checking points and increased surveillance in several areas of Srinagar and other parts of the Valley to identify suspected OGW networks and sleeper cells.
Security forces target OGW networks across Kashmir
Security agencies have also reported recovering arms and ammunition, along with other objectionable materials, from those arrested during the operations.
The intensified checking drive follows a recent assessment of the security situation by the Kashmir Police. IGP Kashmir had said that Mohammad Latif Bhat was the only locally active terrorist operating in the Valley. A bounty of Rs 15 lakh has been announced for information leading to his capture.
Police have also released a wanted poster featuring Bhat and three other local terrorists who, according to reports, are currently in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The posters appeal to the public to share any information about their whereabouts.
Pakistan-based handlers suspected of trying to revive OGW networks
According to security inputs, the declining number of locally active terrorists and the absence of local recruitment into terror ranks this year have prompted Pakistan-based handlers to explore other ways of sustaining their networks in Jammu and Kashmir.
Security agencies suspect that these handlers are attempting to reactivate OGW networks and sleeper cells to facilitate the recruitment of local youth into terrorist groups. Such networks are also suspected of providing logistical support to foreign terrorists operating in the region, including shelter, transportation and other assistance.
Against this backdrop, security forces have intensified surprise checks, searches and surveillance across the Valley to identify individuals allegedly involved in providing support to terrorist organisations.
The ongoing drive is aimed at dismantling the OGW and sleeper-cell networks, disrupting the support infrastructure available to foreign terrorists and preventing attempts to revive local recruitment into terror ranks.
Security agencies believe that weakening these networks is crucial to maintaining the improving security situation in Kashmir and preventing terrorist organisations from rebuilding their operational capabilities.
