SRINAGAR: Police and central forces have launched a Valley-wide crackdown and intensified security measures following the killing of a police head constable in Anantnag, with more than 3,500 suspected overground workers (OGWs) and militant sympathisers detained for questioning, official sources said on Thursday.
Security has been tightened across Kashmir, with police and paramilitary personnel increasing frisking, naka checking, vehicle inspections and search operations in all districts, the sources said.
In a post on X, the Srinagar Sector of the CRPF said Kashmir had been placed on high alert after Wednesday’s attack.
“Security has been heightened across Kashmir. Surveillance has been intensified, checkpoints strengthened and search operations launched to maintain law and order. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with the authorities,” the CRPF said.
The heightened vigil follows the killing of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, who was shot dead at close range in Anantnag’s Lal Chowk on Wednesday afternoon.
Quoting official sources news agency KNO reported police and other security agencies detained more than 3,500 suspected OGWs and militant sympathisers across Kashmir as part of one of the largest anti-militancy operations in recent months. The term OGW is used by security agencies for individuals accused of providing logistical or other support to militant groups.
Searches, frisking and vehicle checks have also been intensified across the Valley.
Meanwhile, authorities on Thursday demolished the houses of two alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba militants in Anantnag district.
Officials identified them as Aadil Ahmad Thokar of Guree village in Bijbehara and Haroon Ganai of Hassanpora. They said the demolitions were part of the ongoing crackdown on militant networks and their alleged support infrastructure.
