Jammu and Kashmir Police have busted an alleged Over Ground Worker (OGW) network linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the Pir Panjal region, arresting three suspected members and recovering an improvised explosive device during the investigation.
Police identified the arrested persons as Zakir Hussain and Mohd Azam, both residents of Kotcharwal Teryath in Rajouri, and Mohd Mushtaq, a resident of Udhan in the district.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: Alleged LeT-linked OGW network busted
Location: Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir
Authority/Organisation: Jammu and Kashmir Police
Action Taken: Three suspected OGWs arrested and an IED recovered
Impact: Police gained leads into a wider alleged terror-support network
According to preliminary findings cited by police, the accused allegedly provided logistical assistance, safe transit and other ground-level support to terrorists operating in the region.
Investigators also alleged that the accused acted as guides and facilitated the movement of terrorist groups towards the Kashmir Valley. Police said they are also suspected of providing support to terrorists allegedly linked to multiple high-profile attacks, including an attack targeting civilians.
During the investigation, police recovered an IED based on information allegedly provided by one of the accused. Preliminary findings indicate that the device had allegedly been handed over by members of a terrorist group for safe custody and possible use in a targeted attack.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The arrests highlight the security focus on disrupting the support infrastructure behind terrorism, including logistics, safe movement and local facilitation. The recovery of an IED could also provide investigators with further leads as the wider network is examined.
Police said the arrests and recovery have provided important leads into the wider support structure operating in the region.
The investigation remains underway, with authorities focusing on identifying additional associates, establishing the broader network and determining the extent of the accused persons' alleged involvement.
The operation comes as security agencies continue efforts to disrupt support networks that can provide terrorists with logistical assistance, movement routes and local-level facilitation in the Pir Panjal region.
