Suhail Khan
SRINAGAR, JULY 22: In a swift and massive response to the terrorist attack in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district earlier on Wednesday that left a policeman dead, security forces across the Kashmir Valley have detained over 2,500 suspected Over Ground Workers (OGWs) in a coordinated crackdown.
The district-wide operations, launched on specific intelligence inputs, were carried out simultaneously in Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam, Shopian, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Kulgam, Bandipora, and Kupwara, with the objective of dismantling networks providing logistical, financial, and shelter support to militant outfits.
An official told Kashmir Convener that in Srinagar, nearly 700 individuals were detained for questioning, while Ganderbal police picked up over 100. Similar large-scale raids were conducted in the southern districts of Anantnag, Shopian, and Kulgam, besides northern and central districts, contributing to the overall figure of more than 2,500 detentions across the Valley.
A senior police officer told Kashmir Convener that the detained persons are being questioned to ascertain their role, if any, in activities prejudicial to the security of the Union Territory. “The exercise is both investigative and preventive in nature. It is aimed at deterring anti-national elements from exploiting the prevailing situation,” the officer said.
Officials said the raids were conducted at multiple locations simultaneously to gather evidence and prevent any attempts by terrorist elements and their facilitators to carry out further unlawful activities.
Police said the crackdown was based on credible intelligence inputs and was carried out in close coordination with other security and intelligence agencies. “Such intelligence-led operations will continue to eliminate the terror-supporting ecosystem and ensure the safety and security of citizens,” an official said.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining peace and communal harmony across the Valley.
Meanwhile, following the attack, security across the Kashmir Valley—especially on national highways—has been tightened. Officials said the enhanced security measures have been implemented to prevent any movement of terrorists and ensure the safety of commuters travelling on the strategic highway.
As part of the heightened security, police have stepped up vehicle checking at multiple points along NH-44 and increased deployment at vulnerable locations. Security personnel are also conducting round-the-clock surveillance, random frisking and verification of suspicious vehicles and individuals to maintain a high state of alert.
Meanwhile, J&K Director-General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat visited the attack spot and took stock of the situation. J&K Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha, while condemning the attack, said, “Those responsible will be brought to justice. This heinous act will not go unpunished.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the policeman “made the ultimate sacrifice in a cowardly terror attack. I unequivocally condemn this attack and send my heartfelt condolences to the members of his family.”
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