Jammu, March 18: Following the elimination of the top commander of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Saifullah, last month, police in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir have planned a wider crackdown on the ground network and support system for terrorism in the district.
Official sources said that working in complete synergy, the J&K Police and the security forces have successfully identified the network of overground workers (OGWs) that has been active for many years.
Sources said that two government employees are among over half a dozen members of the OGW group who provide food, shelter, and logistical support to terrorists in the district.
Most of these OGWs have previously arranged feasts for JeM terrorists. Sources said that the security forces, with the help of forensic experts, are analyzing photographs of terrorists with civilian backgrounds.
Officials said that while most people provided assistance to terrorists under duress, some have done so voluntarily.
The officials indicated that those identified as OGWs are likely to face strict legal action, including cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Some individuals may also be detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
The crackdown follows a series of successful counter-terror operations in the region, as the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps recently announced the elimination of seven Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists in Kishtwar over the past 326 days. In the last 20 days alone, six terrorists have been neutralized, indicating intensified operations in the Jammu region.
Highlighting the significance of the operation, Major General A.P.S. Bal, General Officer Commanding of the Counter-Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta, said: "We will continue to neutralize terrorists as they come into our area… In February, we have been able to eliminate six JeM terrorists… one in Udhampur and the other in Kishtwar.”
On the elimination of Saifullah and his group, he added: “The elimination of the Saifullah group is a major success, as they were the central figure around which the entire terror network was working. The elimination of seven terrorists is a huge success for all of us.”
Authorities believe that the ongoing investigation could expose a wider support network linked to Pakistan-backed terror groups operating in the region, as forces move to completely dismantle the ecosystem enabling militancy in Kishtwar.
The J&K Police and the security forces are carrying out aggressive anti-terrorist operations in the hinterland.