Security forces have detained around 3,500 suspected Over Ground Workers (OGWs) across Kashmir in the last 24 hours following the killing of Jammu and Kashmir Police Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Quraishi in an attack in Anantnag district, officials said.
According to officials, intelligence-based raids, searches and verification drives are being carried out across all districts of the Kashmir Valley to identify and dismantle terror support networks.
The operation is aimed at identifying individuals suspected of providing logistical, financial, communication, transport or shelter support to terrorist groups, they said.
Officials said fresh detentions were made during overnight and day-long raids, taking the total number of suspected OGWs detained for questioning to around 3,500. The verification process is continuing, and more searches are underway in several districts.
Crackdown Follows Killing of Policeman
The large-scale operation was launched after Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Quraishi was shot dead near Lal Chowk in Anantnag on July 22 while he was deployed for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra security duty.
Following the attack, police and security forces launched a massive manhunt, sealed parts of Anantnag town and intensified search operations to trace those responsible.
Officials said the Valley-wide crackdown will continue in the coming days as part of an intensified counter-terror strategy aimed at dismantling the terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
Security Tightened Across Kashmir
Security has been placed on high alert across the Valley after the attack.
Officials said additional security personnel have been deployed at vulnerable locations, while frisking, vehicle checking and area domination exercises have been intensified in several districts.
Authorities have appealed to the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security personnel during checking and immediately report any suspicious activity to the police or other security agencies.
Houses of Two Alleged LeT Militants Demolished
Authorities on Thursday demolished the houses of two alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants in Anantnag district.
The demolished properties belonged to Aadil Thokar of Guree in Bijbehara and Haroon Ganai of Hassanpora. Officials described the action as part of the broader crackdown on terror infrastructure and support networks.
LG, CM Condemn Attack
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the killing of the police officer, calling it a “cowardly” act of terror.
He assured that those responsible would not escape punishment and expressed condolences to the family of the slain policeman.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act of terrorism. He expressed grief over the death of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Quraishi and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.
Soon after the incident, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) V.K. Birdi visited the attack site to review the security situation and supervise the ongoing anti-terror operations.
Officials said the Jammu and Kashmir Police, in coordination with the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other security agencies, will continue intelligence-led operations to identify those involved in supporting terrorist activities and take legal action against them.
