Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, July 23: Amid high alert across Kashmir, Valley-wide anti-terror crackdown continues after the martyrdom of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi in the Anantnag terror attack, with the number of detained suspected Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and terror associates crossing 3,500 across Kashmir.
Official sources within the security establishment told news agency JKNS that intelligence-based operations, searches and verification drives are being conducted across all districts to dismantle the terror support network and identify individuals allegedly providing logistical, financial, communication, transportation and shelter support to terrorist outfits.
Sources said fresh detentions were made during overnight and day-long raids, taking the total number of detained suspected OGWs to around 3,500 across the Valley. The verification and questioning process is continuing, while more raids are underway in several districts.
The large-scale crackdown was launched following the July 22 terrorist attack in Anantnag, in which Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, who was deployed for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra security duty, was martyred after being shot by a terrorist near Lal Chowk, Anantnag.
Officials said the operations will continue in the coming days as part of the intensified counter-terror strategy aimed at dismantling the terror ecosystem across Jammu and Kashmir.
It is important to note that, Security has been placed on high alert across Kashmir following the recent terrorist attack in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, with security forces intensifying surveillance, strengthening checkpoints and launching search operations across the Valley.
Official sources earlier told JKNS that security agencies have stepped up anti-terror measures to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident in the aftermath of the attack.
They said additional deployments have been made at vulnerable locations, while frisking, vehicle checking and area domination exercises 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.
Meanwhile, a day after the attack, authorities on Thursday morning, demolished the houses of two alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in Anantnag district. The demolished houses belonged to Aadil Thokar, a resident of Guree, Bijbehara, and Haroon Ganai, a resident of Hassanpora, 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 also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the martyr’s family and assured them that the entire nation stands with them.
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.
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 Valley-wide crackdown 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 over the coming days as part of the intensified counter-terror strategy.
Officials 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. (JKNS)
