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Massive crackdown launched after Kulgam attack, 500 people detained

A day after militants attacked a retired ex-serviceman and injured his two family members in South Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday launched a massive crackdown, detaining hundreds of overground workers and terror associates across the Valley. On...
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Army personnel patrol following a militant attack in Behibagh village, Kulgam, on Monday.
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A day after militants attacked a retired ex-serviceman and injured his two family members in South Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday launched a massive crackdown, detaining hundreds of overground workers and terror associates across the Valley.

On Monday, Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, an ex-serviceman who had retired in 2021, and his wife and niece were shot at by unidentified gunmen in Behibagh village, Kulgam district. Wagay was hit in the abdomen, while his wife and niece suffered leg injuries. The victims were immediately rushed to the hospital, where sources confirmed that Wagay succumbed to his injuries.

In a much tougher response on Tuesday, sources told The Tribune that the police launched an extensive operation, detaining hundreds of people in multiple areas. Authorities questioned locals in Kulgam and also detained terror associates, overground workers and other accomplices across the Valley.

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A senior official revealed that more than 500 people have been detained, including family members of militants based in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. “They are being questioned about the Kulgam incident,” said the official.

Authorities have issued strict instructions for stern action against those involved in the attack. “Attacking civilians in this cowardly manner won’t be tolerated. Instructions have been issued to take all measures to nab the attackers,” the official said, adding that the perpetrators will not be spared.

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Wagay’s son has demanded justice in the wake of the attack. Preliminary investigations suggest that two attackers were involved in the assault. “The family was returning home when they were attacked,” an official stated.

In Kulgam, security forces have questioned people from nearby villages in an effort to capture the attackers. While militants have increasingly targeted security personnel, including those on leave, there have been several incidents where family members have also been hurt during such attacks.

This follows a pattern of escalating violence, with some attacks intensifying the tensions. For instance, in 2018, former J&K Director General of Police Shesh Paul Vaid was removed after security forces detained the father of slain militant commander Riyaz Naikoo. This action led to retaliatory abductions of 11 relatives of policemen, who were released only after Naikoo’s father was freed.

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