JAMMU — In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing anti-terror operation, security forces detained a Kathua-based “kingpin” of Over Ground Workers (OGW) network along with his eight other associates for providing logistic support and guiding the terrorists to reach the upper reaches of Doda-Udhampur-Kathua districts and usher in terror activities.
A police official told the news agency KNO that, collaborating with human intelligence, inputs provided by central intelligence agencies and successful operation in Gandoh Doda, where three foreign terrorists were gunned down, the security forces zeroed in on a module, wherein freshly infiltrated terrorists were found active with the support of local handlers and who had successfully reached the upper reaches of Udhampur-Doda and Kathua.
“The kingpins of the module, in active collusion with terrorist handlers across the border, played a crucial role in receiving the foreign terrorists after their illegal and surreptitious entry into India in the Samba-Kathua sector. The module, besides providing initial shelter, food and other minor logistic was also responsible for guiding them to the upper reaches of the mountains and jungles of Udhampur-Kathua-Doda districts around Kailash Mountain, which is at the centre of the tri-junction of these three districts,” an official said.
The official said that members of the module admitted that three terrorists killed in the Gandoh encounter had taken their help in hiding and travelling without being detected till they reached the upper reaches.
The kingpin has been identified as Mohamed Lateef, alias Haji Lateef, while his eight other associates have been taken into custody as “enemy agents.”
“Mohd Lateef, resident of Ambe Naal Kathua, is the main kingpin of the entire OGW network. He acted as a guide for the groups of terrorists passing through the area. He engaged and directed others in their role as guides or food providers in the area,” informed a senior official. The other eight detained persons were identified as Akther Ali, resident of Ambe Naal, Saddam, resident of Bhaddu Billawar, Kushal, resident of Bhaddu Billawar, Noorani, resident of Juthana, Rajbah, Maqbool, resident of Saffain Liaquat, Kasim Din and Khamid, all residents of Kathua district.
The officer further said that more than 50 persons living in temporary Dhokes in the upper reaches and mountains for the purpose of grazing of livestock have been investigated for coming in contact with the foreign terrorists for either providing food, shelter, or communication help; only a few did not report to the police, and some have accepted money from terrorists.
“Those who have reported to the police in time are being treated as innocent,” the officer said, adding, “Liability of others; however, is being exhibited, including prior connections with terrorists and their handles across.
Police also urged the general public to inform police about any contact with terrorists as soon as possible after the terrorists have left. Failure to report, besides being a criminal offence, is likely to adversely affect the person’s access to government benefits.
