OGWs being used for soft-target attacks, say officials
Srinagar|Aug, 1: Security has been significantly stepped up across south Kashmir following the killing of two non-local migrant labourers in Kulgam, with police and security agencies intensifying surveillance, establishing additional checkpoints and expanding anti-terror operations to prevent further attacks.
Senior police officials told Kashmir Horizon that heightened security measures have been put in place after two terror attacks in the Valley within the past 10 days claimed three lives, including a police head constable and two migrant workers.
“We have identified several vulnerable locations across south Kashmir. Deployment of security forces has been strengthened, surveillance has been intensified and all security loopholes are being addressed on priority,” a senior police officer said.
According to officials, additional nakas, frisking points and mobile patrols have been established across the region. Protected persons have also been advised to inform local police before undertaking visits outside their routine movement.
“Terror outfits are trying to disturb the peaceful atmosphere in the Valley by targeting soft targets. Over Ground Workers (OGWs) are increasingly being used to facilitate or carry out such attacks to spread fear among the public,” the officer said.
Police maintained that the overall security situation remains under control but said operations against terrorists and their support networks have been intensified.
“We are working on all available leads. Anti-terror operations will continue, and those involved in the recent killings, including OGWs, will be identified and brought to justice,” the officer added.
Officials said several individuals are currently under scrutiny in connection with Friday’s attack in Kulgam, and investigations are progressing.
“As more evidence emerges, those found involved will be formally detained. Raids are expected to be carried out in the coming days in villages surrounding the attack site as part of efforts to trace the perpetrators,” another official said.
The heightened security response has also been extended beyond south Kashmir. In north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, security forces have intensified checking and established multiple nakas at strategic locations.
Police have also set up a checkpoint near Kutta Mode in Pattan to strengthen surveillance and deter terrorists’ movement.
The latest attack comes just days after Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi was killed in a terrorist attack in Anantnag on July 22, marking the second major strike in the Valley within 10 days despite heightened security measures.
The recent incidents have renewed concerns over the return of targeted attacks on soft targets. Officials said terroristss appear to be attempting to revive a strategy aimed at creating fear by targeting non-local workers and other vulnerable civilians.
The Kulgam attack is the first major attack on migrant labourers in the Valley since February 2024, when two labourers from Punjab were shot dead in Srinagar’s Shaheed Gunj area.
It also marks one of the most significant terror incidents since the April 2025 Pahalgam massacre, in which 26 tourists were killed in Baisaran Valley.
Security agencies said search operations, intelligence-based raids and surveillance have been intensified across vulnerable areas, while investigations into the Kulgam attack are underway.
