Says “Active terrorists remain under surveillance”
“Narco-terror networks funding terrorism”
“Highway security protocols under review to minimise public inconvenience”
Srinagar|Nov, 05: Amid continuing security threats and intelligence inputs about the activities of terrorist groups, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, Sujit Kumar on Thursday said security forces remain on high alert and are fully prepared to deal with any eventuality in Jammu and Kashmir.
Emphasising that the security apparatus is maintaining constant vigil, IGP Kumar said intelligence-based operations and coordinated efforts were being undertaken to counter emerging threats, while ensuring that routine security measures cause minimum inconvenience to the public.
“Based on continuous intelligence inputs, our teams remain on high alert. The public has been supportive. While security measures cause some routine inconvenience, we try to minimise it. Threats exist, and we are managing them,” the IGP Kumar told reporters during a press conference in Srinagar.
On the presence of terrorists in the Valley, he said it would not be appropriate to disclose an exact number, as their movement across different locations makes any fixed assessment difficult.
IGP Kumar, however, acknowledged the presence of a prominent local terrorist allegedly involved in attacks in Anantnag and Kulgam, supported by a few foreign terrorists. He said security agencies had identified their footprints and were tracking their movements.
“There is one prominent local terrorist who orchestrated attacks in Anantnag and Kulgam, supported by a few foreign terrorists. We have observed their footprints, but putting a definitive number on them is not feasible because they remain in transit,” he said.
The IGP also flagged the growing challenge posed by the narco-terror nexus, saying the proceeds of drug trafficking were being channelled towards supporting terrorist activities through networks of overground workers (OGWs).
He said the networks operating locally as well as across the border were allegedly using OGWs to circulate illicit money under different pretexts, making the fight against narcotics an important component of the broader security strategy.
“Terrorism and narcotics are deeply intertwined; a significant portion of the narcotics trade directly fuels and supports terrorism,” Kumar said, adding that dismantling these networks remained a substantial challenge for the police.
Referring to the recent operation in the Budgam district, the IGP said terrorists were neutralised at high-altitude locations along the ridgeline connecting Poonch with Budgam.
He said the operation involved specialised security forces operating in difficult mountainous terrain, where the movement of terrorists and changing geographical conditions pose considerable operational challenges.
“Our specialised security forces established dominance at those harsh heights, culminating in a successful operation. In mountain terrains like the Pir Panjal, multiple operational possibilities exist, and our forces are prepared for all contingencies,” he said.
On security restrictions and frequent stoppages along the National Highway, Kumar said established protocols were being followed in view of previous terror incidents, intelligence alerts and recoveries of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
He said the measures were intended to prevent possible attacks and protect civilian lives, adding that the police were conscious of the inconvenience caused to commuters.
The IGP said the matter was under discussion with senior police officers and paramilitary forces to explore ways of improving traffic movement without compromising security requirements.
“IED recoveries and security alerts near the highway remain regular occurrences. The protocol seeks to secure lives while accounting for ground realities,” he said.
IGP Kumar also appealed to the youth to stay away from drugs, cybercrime and dangerous stunts involving motorcycles and cars, warning that such activities could put their lives and careers at risk.
He said the police were willing to extend all possible assistance to young people seeking to overcome drug addiction and return to normal life, stressing the need for collective efforts to address the growing social challenge.
