OGW network in Kathua under surveillance for aiding terrorists

Intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the movement of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) in Kathua and adjoining districts who may have assisted the group of Pakistani terrorists that infiltrated Indian territory through the International Border (IB). These terrorists engaged in two encounters with security forces within a week.

On March 23, a brief encounter took place between security forces and terrorists at Sanyal village in Hiranagar, near the IB. The terrorists managed to escape and moved to the higher reaches of the district. They were later involved in another gunfight in the Ghati Juthana area on Thursday, during which four policemen were killed in action, and two Pakistani terrorists were neutralised.

However, at least two terrorists managed to flee the scene, leaving behind some of their belongings. It is believed that one of the escaped terrorists sustained injuries from security forces’ gunfire.

According to intelligence sources, the terrorists had limited food and water supplies when they infiltrated from Pakistan, making long-term survival difficult. “They will either emerge in a village seeking food and water, or an OGW might attempt to deliver supplies to them in the deep forest,” sources said.

Similar incidents have occurred in the past, particularly in Rajouri and Poonch, where OGWs provided shelter, food, and water to terrorists. Notably, in January 2023, two terrorists in Rajouri entered a villager’s home and used his mobile phone to download a communication application to contact their handler. After deleting the application, they demanded food and water from the house owner, who subsequently informed the police.

Terrorist handlers also provide Indian currency to facilitate the purchase of food and water from locals. However, OGWs play a crucial role in helping terrorists evade security forces for extended periods without exposing themselves.

“Many OGWs, who had ceased assisting terrorists following the decline of armed insurgency in the Jammu region, have been reactivated by Pakistan-based terror organisations in recent years. While it is easier to monitor OGWs with known records held by the police and Army, the real challenge arises with terror associates who have no past records,” sources stated.

These OGWs assist terrorists by guiding them through dense forest areas and identifying potential targets. Last year, an OGW was arrested for providing logistics to the terrorists responsible for the attack on a pilgrim’s bus in Reasi in June, which resulted in the deaths of nine people. This OGW had acted as a guide for the ultras.

Security agencies remain vigilant in tracking and apprehending OGWs to prevent further terrorist activities in the region.