Crackdown on OGWs, terror associates in Doda, Kathua

Jammu, Nov 8: Police Saturday launched a major crackdown against Over Ground Workers (OGWs), surrendered, released terrorists and associates of terrorist handlers from across the border in Pakistan in Doda and Kathua districts.

A significant number of suspects were called for questioning to uncover their connections and funding channels linked to these terrorist networks.

SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma said that the raids were mainly conducted in the premises of slain terrorists and OGWs, whose relatives were settled in the PoK. “Few persons were detained also. Besides we also conducted inspections at SIM vendor outlets,” she said. SSP Kathua, however, refused to give the number of persons detained, stating that searches were still underway.

Senior Superintendent of Police Doda, Sandeep Mehta said, “This crackdown is part of Doda Police’s broader strategy to disrupt the support system for local terrorists. Several suspects have been booked under preventive laws, while security actions are underway against others involved in anti-national activities.”

He said that ongoing searches were targeting multiple suspected locations including those terrorists who were killed or their houses where the encounter took place, to identify local support networks of terror outfits.

Enhanced technical and human surveillance had been implemented to monitor potential sleeper cells and online propagandists targeting local youth.

“The operation aims to safeguard the community from extremist influences and ensure peace. Joint operations are being coordinated with CAPF units for effective counter-terrorism efforts. Doda Police remains committed to dismantling the terror ecosystem and maintaining public safety across the district,” he said.

SSP Doda stated that the Police would continue to act firmly against all those involved in aiding or abetting terror activities. “No individual associated with anti-national elements will be spared. Our focus remains on ensuring peace, security, and the well-being of every citizen in the district,” he said.