Crackdown on Militant Sympathizers in Kathua, 16 Persons Including 3 Females Detained, Scores Questioned
Kathua, Apr 3, KNT: In the wake of recent militant infiltration and the killing of four policemen, security agencies have launched an intensified crackdown on militant sympathizers and overground networks in various parts of the Kathua district.
An official confirmed the action against militant sympathizers and said that the operation aims to dismantle the support structures aiding militants in their movement from the International Border (IB) to the upper reaches of Jammu’s hilly districts.
Sources said that 16 persons, including three women from a single family, have been detained for allegedly providing food, shelter, and logistical assistance to militants. Security forces have also questioned scores of suspects allegedly instrumental in facilitating militant operations in Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar, and Udhampur.
The crackdown comes amid a massive multi-agency operation to track down three infiltrating militants who escaped multiple encounters. Security forces have deployed aerial surveillance assets, including drones, helicopters, and sniffer dogs, while ground forces from the Army, NSG, J&K Police, SoG, CRPF, and BSF are conducting intense search operations in Billawar, Bhaddu, Ghatti, and Kog-Mandli.
Pertinently, the first confrontation with fresh militant group took place on March 23. On March 27, two militants were killed in Sanyal, but the remaining members retaliated, killing four policemen and injuring three others before disappearing into the dense forests. Another encounter followed on March 31 in Panjtirthi-Juthana, but the militants once again managed to slip away.
Security agencies believe that without a strong OGW network, militants would struggle to survive in the region. The crackdown is expected to continue against the alleged overground workers. [KNT]
