Raids Across Seven Districts as Jammu Kashmir Police Tighten Security Grid

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified their region-wide crackdown to dismantle the terror ecosystem, conducting coordinated raids and search operations across multiple districts including Kulgam, Pulwama, Ganderbal, Sopore, Handwara, Baramulla, and Awantipora. The large-scale operations targeted Over Ground Workers (OGWs), accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and individuals associated with Jammu and Kashmir nationals operating from Pakistan (JKNOPs).

In Kulgam, police launched a massive operation across several locations targeting OGWs, UAPA and PSA accused persons, sympathisers, and relatives of killed and active terrorists, particularly in areas where encounters had previously taken place. Several suspects were detained, and multiple houses were searched as part of the district-wide action.

In Ganderbal, police, along with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), carried out extensive searches at 30 locations, focusing on the houses of surrendered and ex-militants to identify and dismantle networks supporting subversive activities. A significant quantity of digital devices and incriminating materials was seized for analysis.

Similar drives were conducted in Sopore and Handwara for the second consecutive day, targeting OGWs, JKNOPs, and terror associates. In Sopore, over 30 locations were searched, and several individuals were detained for questioning. In Handwara, security forces seized mobile phones, digital storage devices, and documents during simultaneous cordon and search operations.

In Baramulla, police executed widespread preventive measures across the district. Twenty-five properties linked with Pakistan-based Kashmiri natives and 22 associated with OGWs were searched. Nineteen persons were bound down, while several others were detained under preventive provisions. Authorities also checked 73 SIM vendors to ensure compliance with verification protocols and inspected 208 vehicles across the district during 14 coordinated CASOs.

In Pulwama, police carried out searches at multiple locations targeting OGWs, UAPA-accused persons, and individuals providing logistical support to cross-border handlers. Several suspects were questioned, and incriminating materials were seized in accordance with legal formalities.

Meanwhile, in Awantipora, a joint cordon and search operation with security forces was conducted under the supervision of SSP Awantipora. The drive aimed to identify terror associates and verify suspicious movements to maintain peace and security.