Srinagar, July 23: The Valley-wide dragnet against the terror ecosystem tightened further on Thursday, with the number of detained suspected overground workers (OGWs) and terror associates crossing the 3,500-mark, even as security forces maintained a high state of alert across Kashmir in the wake of the cowardly attack that claimed the life of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi in Anantnag.
Official sources within the security establishment told Kashmir Convener that the relentless intelligence-based operations, cordon-and-search exercises, and verification drives are being conducted simultaneously across all districts. The objective remains clear: to systematically dismantle the support network of proscribed outfits by identifying and neutralizing individuals providing logistical, financial, communication, transportation, and shelter support to terrorists.
Fresh detentions were effected during overnight raids and day-long searches, propelling the cumulative figure of picked-up suspects to approximately 3,500 across the Valley. Sources confirmed that the process of verification and questioning is currently underway, with more raids in the pipeline across several districts.
The crackdown, described by officials as one of the most extensive in recent times, was triggered by the July 22 terrorist attack in Anantnag. Head Constable Qureshi, who was deployed on Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra security duty, was martyred after being shot by a terrorist near Lal Chowk, Anantnag. His sacrifice has galvanised the security grid, with officials asserting that the operations will continue unabated in the coming days as part of the intensified counter-terror strategy aimed at choking the terror ecosystem.
Security has been placed on a heightened alert across Kashmir, with forces intensifying surveillance, strengthening checkpoints, and launching area domination exercises.
Official sources told Kashmir Convener that security agencies have escalated anti-terror measures to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident in the aftermath of the attack.
Additional deployments have been made at vulnerable locations, while frisking, vehicle checking, and area domination patrols have been intensified in several districts. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security forces during checking, and immediately report any suspicious movement or activity to the nearest police station or security agency.
In a stern message to those aiding militancy, authorities on Thursday morning demolished the houses of two alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in Anantnag district. The demolished structures belonged to Aadil Thokar, a resident of Guree, Bijbehara, and Haroon Ganai, a resident of Hassanpora. The action is being viewed as part of the ongoing crackdown on terror infrastructure.
Following Wednesday’s attack, police and security forces launched a massive manhunt, sealed large parts of Anantnag town, and intensified search operations to trace and neutralise the attacker.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday evening strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act of terror, and asserted that those responsible would not go unpunished. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the martyr’s family and assured them that the entire nation stands with them.
While on Thursday Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level security review meeting here and directed the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, civil administration, and central security agencies to maintain seamless coordination for the safety and convenience of pilgrims undertaking the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, even as he called for stepping up intelligence-led anti-terror operations.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack, terming it a cowardly act of terror, while expressing grief over the sacrifice of the police personnel and extending condolences to the bereaved family.
Official sources reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir Police, in coordination with the Army, CAPFs, and other security agencies, remain committed to dismantling terror networks and ensuring that those involved in supporting terrorism are identified and brought to justice. The intelligence-led operations, searches, and verification drives are expected to continue over the coming days as part of the intensified counter-terror strategy.
Comments are closed.