In a major anti-terror operation, Kathua Police, in collaboration with the CRPF 121 Battalion, conducted a large-scale raid across 17 locations in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The operation targeted areas in Malhar, Bani, and the upper reaches of Billawar, aimed at dismantling networks providing logistical and financial support to terrorist organizations.
The raids resulted in the detention and arrest of 10 individuals, including overground workers (OGWs) and suspected terrorists. Electronic devices were seized as part of the investigation. An FIR has been filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) Act), the BNS Act, and the EMICO Act. The arrests represent a significant breakthrough in ongoing counter-terror operations in the region.
In addition to raids in the hinterland areas of Kathua, operations were also carried out in the border areas of Kana Chack, Haria Chack, Spral Pain, and Chack Wajir Lahbju. The operation is part of a broader effort to disrupt terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
This crackdown follows recent successes by the Kathua Police and security forces in neutralizing three foreign terrorists from the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) group. These terrorists were killed in separate joint operations in the upper Kathua and Basantgarh areas, marking a significant blow to terrorist networks operating in the region.
The crackdown is also part of a wider strategy to curb terrorism across Jammu and Kashmir. Just days earlier, on November 21, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out raids at eight locations in connection with a case involving terrorist infiltration. The NIA operations spanned multiple districts, including Reasi, Doda, Udhampur, Ramban, and Kishtwar.
Additionally, on November 20, the NIA arrested a key accused in a 2020 narco-terror case linked to a conspiracy involving banned Pakistan-based terrorist groups. The investigation revealed that narcotic drugs were being procured and sold to fund terrorism in the region. The NIA continues its efforts to dismantle the narco-terror network and halt terror funding in Kashmir and beyond.