Anti-terror raids at dozens of places across Jammu

A day after police in Kashmir searched premises linked to Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and terrorists operating from Pakistan, similar operations were carried out across several districts of Jammu division, targeting networks suspected of aiding terrorist activities.

The simultaneous raids, conducted in Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Kathua, and Rajouri districts, focused on individuals with alleged links to terrorists operating from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and other parts of Pakistan. According to intelligence sources, inputs gathered through communication intercepts suggested that terrorist operatives might be planning to escalate their activities in the region.

In Kishtwar, police launched extensive cordon and search operations (CASOs) at multiple locations in the Chhatru and Marwah subdivisions—areas that have witnessed several encounters between security forces and terrorists in recent months.

An official statement from Kishtwar Police said, “The operations were carried out to trace suspicious activities of the relatives of J&K natives operating from Pakistan, verify the antecedents of suspected individuals, and tighten security around vulnerable areas.”

The searches were conducted jointly by the local police and the Special Operations Group (SOG), targeting the houses of relatives and known associates of active terrorists and OGWs.

In Ramban, massive search operations were launched across multiple locations in Banihal and Gool. Ramban Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Arun Gupta said the drives were “well-coordinated” and aimed at identifying suspicious movements and networks aiding anti-national elements.

“These operations are part of ongoing preventive and intelligence-based measures to ensure that peace and stability in the region remain undisturbed. Ramban Police remain committed to neutralising any anti-national network and ensuring the safety of all citizens,” an official statement said.

Similar actions were also reported from Doda district, where police intensified their crackdown on suspected OGWs. A senior police official said the initiative was part of Doda Police’s broader strategy to dismantle the local support system for terrorists.

“Several suspects have been booked under preventive laws, while further actions are underway against those involved in anti-national activities,” the official added.

Doda SSP Sandeep Mehta said the ongoing searches were aimed at identifying the local infrastructure that supports terror networks. “The operation seeks to safeguard the community from extremist influences and ensure peace,” he said.

The operations were carried out in an organised manner without causing any inconvenience to the general public, a police spokesperson said.

He said such operations are a part of ongoing preventive and intelligence-based measures to ensure that peace and stability in the region remain undisturbed. Police remain committed to neutralising any anti-national network and ensuring the safety of all citizens, the spokesperson said, requesting the public at large to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and share any valuable information regarding suspicious movements or persons in their areas. He assured that the identity of the informants would be kept confidential.