In a significant breakthrough in countering terrorist activities, the Kathua Police at PS Malhar apprehended two Over Ground Workers (OGWs) associated with terror-related actions. These individuals had deliberately withheld crucial information, hindering police efforts to prevent terrorist actions.
The arrested OGWs provided food and hotspot connections to the terrorists responsible for the July 8 ambush on an army convoy in Kathua’s Badnota village. During the ambush, five soldiers, including a junior commissioned officer (JCO), lost their lives, and five others were injured.
The duo, identified as Layaqat Ali from Ward No. 07, Kalna Dhanu Parole in Billawar Tehsil, and Mool Raj from Bowli Mohalla in Malhar Tehsil, also facilitated communication between different groups of terrorists in the jungles of Machhedi. After the attack, they assisted the terrorists in escaping.
The police have questioned over 100 individuals in connection with the case, and preventive measures have been taken against more than 40 people to disrupt potential support systems for terrorist activities¹. A case has been registered at the Malhar police station, and further investigation is ongoing.
The arrest of these OGWs underscores the authorities’ commitment to maintaining security. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or by dialing 100 or 9858034100.
Intel agencies suspect that the Jammu region harbors 50 to 60 hardcore foreign terrorists, including former Pakistan army regulars, in hill districts like Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kathua, Reasi, and Udhampur. The army has deployed over 4,000 soldiers, including 500 elite para commandos trained in mountain warfare, to eliminate these terrorists.