3 LeT-Linked OGWs Facilitated Terrorists’ Movement Across Rajouri, Reasi, Shopian: Police

JAMMU, Sept 18: Three overground workers (OGWs) allegedly linked to the proscribed Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have been arrested for facilitating the movement of multiple terrorist groups from Rajouri-Reasi through the Pir Panjal region to  Shopian district, police said on Friday.

The accused—Mohd Azam, Zakir Hussain and Mohd Mushtaq, all residents of Kot Charwal village in Rajouri—were arrested on September 14 following the detection of an alleged OGW network operating as a logistical support module for the LeT.

According to a police spokesman, investigation has revealed that the three had allegedly remained active for several years and provided shelter, logistical assistance and guidance to terrorists. They allegedly facilitated the movement of terrorists across Rajouri and Reasi and through the Pir Panjal region towards Shopian.

Their alleged involvement in assisting and harbouring terrorists who were later killed in an encounter at Chassana in Reasi district in 2023 has also emerged during the investigation, the spokesman said.

A powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was recovered from a forest area adjoining their village following their arrest, based on their disclosure. On Thursday, police also recovered a pistol with a magazine and ammunition, along with two Chinese grenades, from a hideout at their behest.

The spokesman said the accused allegedly worked as guides for terrorists and are also suspected of providing ground support to terrorists linked with several high-profile attacks in Rajouri district in recent years.

The recovered arms and explosives were allegedly handed over to the accused for safe custody and their possible use in future attacks, police said.

Further investigation is underway to unravel the complete network, identify additional associates and establish the full extent of the accused persons’ alleged involvement, the spokesman added. (Agencies)