J&K Police conduct 56 raids across Jammu, arrest OGWs, terror suspects

JAMMU: In a significant crackdown on terror networks operating in J&K, police conducted 56 raids across Jammu division and arrested several overground workers (OGWs) and terror suspects, besides seizing incriminating materials.

Acting on intelligence inputs, 21 raids were carried out in Rajouri-Poonch, 25 were conducted in Udhampur and 10 in Reasi districts, a police spokesperson said Tuesday, adding that the operation was conducted meticulously to avoid collateral damage and inconvenience to civilians.

“The operations were aimed at identifying, tracking and apprehending OGWs and other terror suspects involved in aiding terror outfits, including managing logistics, recruitment and facilitating the movement of arms, ammunition and funds,” the spokesperson said.

The searches — which spanned several locations in the twin frontier districts of Rajouri-Poonch, including in residential houses and hideouts — were part of investigations into two separate cases registered at Thanamandi PS in 2013 and Rajouri PS this year. The cases pertain to a terror network active in Rajouri district — linked to proscribed terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba — trying to activate OGWs to initiate, organise and execute acts of terror, the spokesperson said.

The raids in Udhampur and Reasi districts were conducted as part of investigations into a case registered at Basantgarh PS, the spokesperson said, adding that incriminating materials, including electronic devices, documents, unaccounted cash, weapons and ammunition, were seized during the operation.

ADGP (Jammu Zone) Anand Jain has said further investigations would proceed based on the material and information gathered during the raids, police said in an official statement. More operations are planned to target any remaining elements attempting to disrupt regional peace. ADGP Jain has also urged citizens to report suspicious activity or individuals in their area.