NIA Raids Multiple Places in J&K Division, Targets Over-ground Workers of Terrorist Outfits

JAMMU: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) embarked on a nationwide operation to carry out raids at multiple places in the J-K division of Jammu and Kashmir, with officials confirming that the action is being taken as part of probing fresh cases registered by the agency.

According to sources, sleuths assisted by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the J&K Police have started the raids at over a dozen places in Doda, Udhampur, Kishtwar, and Reasi districts. The objectives of these raids are linked to registration of new cases pertaining to over-ground workers (OGWs) of terrorist outfits and recent infiltration into the union territory from across the international border.

The OGWs, unarmed civilians who serve as the "eyes and ears" of terrorists, provide critical logistical support to the outfit. By arranging shelter, conducting recce for soft targets, ferrying arms and ammunition, the workers play a pivotal role in facilitating terrorist activities.

Notably, recent reports indicate that infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir from across the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) has increased. Moreover, the intelligence agencies attribute several high-profile attacks to this surge in cross-border movement.

Amongst these notable incidents is the Gagangir attack on October 20, which claimed the lives of seven people, including six non-local workers from an infrastructure construction company and a local doctor. The subsequent Botapathri attack on October 24 resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including two civilian porters.

Security forces attribute these violent incidents to infiltrators who had entered the Valley from the LoC in August this year.

Additionally, NIA has been investigating cases related to narco-terrorism and utilizing terrorist proceeds for extension of activities in Jammu and Kashmir.