Srinagar, July 22 (JKNS): In a massive Valley-wide crackdown following the martyrdom of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain in the Anantnag terror attack, Jammu and Kashmir Police and security agencies have detained more than 2,000 suspected Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and terror associates across Kashmir as part of an intensified operation to dismantle the terror support network.
A senior J&K police officer told news agency JKNS that, nearly 700 suspected OGWs were detained in Srinagar, over 200 in Budgam, around 100 in Ganderbal, over 70 in Sopore, and more than 200 in Shopian, while similar operations were carried out in other districts, taking the total number of detentions across the Valley to over 2,000.
Operations to crack down on further network is underway, official said.
Sources said the detentions followed intelligence-based raids, searches and verification drives launched immediately after the terror attack in Anantnag, with the objective of identifying individuals providing logistical, financial, communication, transportation, shelter and other support to terrorist organisations.
Police Head Constable Ashiq Hussain, who was deployed for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra security duty, was martyred after being shot by a terrorist near Lal Chowk, Anantnag, in the afternoon hours on Wednesday.
Following the attack, police and security forces launched a massive manhunt, sealed the entire Anantnag town and intensified search operations to trace and neutralise the attacker.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act, and said those responsible would not go unpunished. He also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the martyr’s family and assured that the entire nation stands with them.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack, terming it a cowardly act of terror, and expressed grief over the sacrifice of the police personnel while extending condolences to the bereaved family.
Soon after the incident, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and Inspector General of Police Kashmir V.K. Birdi rushed to the attack site, where they reviewed the security situation and supervised the ongoing anti-terror operations.
Official sources said the ongoing crackdown across Kashmir is aimed at choking the terror ecosystem by identifying and taking legal action against those aiding or facilitating terrorist activities. Intelligence-led operations, searches and verification drives are expected to continue in the coming days as part of the intensified counter-terror strategy.
Officials reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir Police, in coordination with other security agencies, remain committed to dismantling terror networks and ensuring that those involved in supporting terrorism are brought to justice. (JKNS)
