Security forces have apprehended eight individuals identified as overground workers (OGWs) for their alleged involvement with militant groups in separate operations conducted across south Kashmir. Officials stated on Tuesday that the arrests were made following specific intelligence inputs, leading to joint operations by police, army, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the operations spanned across Shopian and Pulwama districts, successfully disrupting networks aimed at disturbing peace and security in the region. Authorities have registered cases and initiated investigations to ascertain the full extent of the apprehended individuals’ activities and their linkages.
In the Shopian district, a joint operation by police and army personnel was launched in an orchard at Imamsahib based on a tip-off. During the search, security forces recovered one grenade, two AK magazines, four mobile phones, and posters belonging to a banned militant outfit from an orchard owned by Nazir Ahmad Wani. Three individuals, identified as Ashiq Hussain Kumar, Arif Kumar, and Harris Manzoor, were taken into custody during this operation.
In a separate incident in Shopian district on Monday night, three motorcycle-borne individuals were apprehended. Their search yielded the recovery of two hand grenades and incriminating materials linked to the Hizbul Mujahideen militant group. The arrested persons were identified as Junaid Ahmad Dar, Amir Yousuf, and Junaid Muzaffar.
Further north, in the forest area of Yarwan forest in CB Nath, Rajpora, Pulwama district, security forces apprehended two suspected militant associates. This operation, involving police, Army, and CRPF, led to the recovery of one pistol, twelve pistol rounds, and one hand grenade. The two individuals identified were Latif Ahmad Deedad and Aejaz Ahmad Bajad.
The recovery of arms and ammunition, along with militant group paraphernalia, from the apprehended individuals suggests their active role in supporting militant activities in the valley. The coordinated security response aimed to preempt potential attacks and maintain law and order. Cases have been registered under relevant sections of the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
Authorities are conducting further investigations to establish the source of the recovered weapons and ammunition, and to identify any other individuals or groups potentially connected to the apprehended overground workers. The successful apprehensions are viewed as a significant step in the ongoing efforts to dismantle militant infrastructure and ensure the safety and security of residents in the region.
The Chenab Times News Desk