Two hardcore OGWs booked under PSA in Kishtwar & Kathua: Police

Jammu, Dec 26: Police on Thursday said that in a decisive crackdown on anti-national activities, two individuals have been booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA) for their involvement in subversive activities, demonstrating a firm commitment to maintaining peace and security in the Jammu region.

In a handout to GNS, the police said that Police in Kishtwar booked Jaffer Hussain Butt, son of Mohd Ashraf Butt, a resident of Hunjala, Tehsil and District Kishtwar, under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Jaffer, a known Over Ground Worker (OGW), has been actively aiding banned organizations in their unlawful activities. His actions posed a grave threat to the stability and security of the region.

According to police spokesman, following thorough investigations and procedural diligence, Jaffer was detained under PSA and subsequently lodged in District Jail Kathua. The move aims to safeguard the youth of Kishtwar from being influenced by such individuals and to ensure law and order in the district.

Meanwhile the District Police in Kathua detained Liyaqat Ali, son of Abdul Majid, a resident of Lohai Malhar, Tehsil Malhar, District Kathua, under the Public Safety Act (PSA). The District Magistrate's office, Kathua, issued the detention order (OB No. PSA/132) on December 10, 2024, and Liyaqat was lodged in Central Jail Kot Bhalwal, Jammu, on December 14, 2024.

Liyaqat has a long history of anti-national activities. His name first surfaced in 2003, when he was charged under FIR No. 148/2003 at Police Station Billawar for serious offenses, including attempt to murder (IPC 307) and waging war against the Government of India (IPC 121 & 121-A). Over the years, he has faced several criminal charges, including cases of harassment, wrongful confinement, assault, and aiding terrorist elements in the region, he said.

FIRs registered against Liyaqat Ali include FIR No. 05/2021 at Police Station Malhar – Involved charges of harassment and trespass under IPC sections 452 and 509. FIR No. 15/2022 at Police Station Malhar – Included charges of assault, wrongful confinement, and provocation under IPC sections 341, 342, 323, and 504, he said.

Reports from intelligence agencies and police diaries further confirmed his role in providing logistical support and shelter to terrorist elements, making his detention under PSA a necessary step to prevent further harm, he said.

The Jammu Zone Police emphasized their unwavering commitment to eliminating anti-national activities and safeguarding public peace. ADGP Jammu said that "We are resolute in our approach to dealing with individuals involved in activities against the state. Those disrupting peace or attempting to lure youth into anti-national activities will face strict legal action, he said.

The public has been urged to cooperate with the police by reporting any suspicious activities, including anti-national elements, drug abuse, or other unlawful acts. The identity of informants will be strictly protected, reads the statement.