Jammu: In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing anti-terror operation, security forces detained a Kathua based “king-pin” of Over Ground Workers (OGW) network along with his eight other associates for providing logistic support and guiding the militants to reach upper reaches of Doda-Udhampur-Kathua districts and usher terror activities.
A police official said that collaborating human intelligence, inputs provided by central intelligence agencies and successful operation in Gandoh Doda, where three foreign militants were gunned down, the security forces zeroed-in on a module, wherein freshly infiltrated militants were found active with 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 militant handlers across the border, played curial role in receiving the foreign militants after their illegal and surreptitious entry into India in 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 tri-junction of these three districts,” an official said.
The official said that members of the module admitted that three militants 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 guide for the groups of militants passing through the area. He engaged and directed others in their role as guide or food provided in the area,” informed a senior official. 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 resident 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 has been investigated for coming in contact with the foreign militants for either providing food shelter, or communication help, only few did not report to the police and some have accepted money from militants.
“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 militants and their handles across.
Police also urged the general public to inform police about any contact with militants as soon as possible after the militants have left. Failure to report besides being a criminal offence is likely to adversely affect the person’s access to government benefits
