Jammu & Kashmir Police announced a significant counter-terrorism operation on Monday, disclosing the arrest of three individuals linked to an overground worker (OGW) network of Lashkar-e-Taiba in the Rajouri district. The arrests came late in the evening and mark a major blow to militant logistics in the region.
The identified accused are Zakir Hussain and Mohammad Azam, both residents of Kotcharwali Tareeyath in Rajouri, and Mohammad Mushtaq, a resident of Udhun village. According to police sources, these individuals were functioning as facilitators for the terror group, helping smuggle armed militants across terrain into the Kashmir Valley — a well-documented modus operandi for LeT and its affiliated outfits.
During interrogation, one of the arrested suspects provided critical information that led to the recovery of an improvised explosive device (IED). The exact location and quantity of explosive material were not disclosed publicly, but police confirmed the device was recovered on the tip-off.
Investigators believe the IED was being stockpiled by the terrorist network, either for storage or for use in a planned targeted attack. No details have been released regarding the intended target or the specific timeline.
This arrest is seen as part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle the support infrastructure that sustains militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. OGW networks have historically played a crucial role in providing safe passage, intelligence, and logistical support to armed groups operating in the valley. Disrupting these networks is considered vital to preventing infiltration attempts and reducing the frequency of attacks.
The police have appealed to locals to cooperate with ongoing investigations. Further details, including any additional arrests or connections to larger conspiracies, are expected to emerge as the probe continues.
