SRINAGAR: Bandipora Police on Saturday conducted searches at multiple locations across the district in connection with militant-related cases, officials said. The raids were carried out at the residences of suspected Over Ground Workers (OGWs) linked to banned organisations as part of an ongoing investigation into militant networks operating in the region.
According to police, searches were conducted at the house of Bashir Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Qadir Bhat, a resident of Bhat Mohalla Sumbal, and Sajad Ahmad Nawoo, son of Mohammad Sultan Nawoo, a resident of Naidkhai. Both are suspected to be affiliated with the banned organisations Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP) and Jammu and Kashmir People’s League. The searches were carried out in connection with FIR No. 7/2024 and 62/2024 registered at Police Station Sumbal.
Additionally, police raided the residences of Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh (alias Gadda), son of Ghulam Mohiuddin Sheikh, of Bagh Bandipora, and Ghulam Mohammad Waza, son of Ghulam Qadir Waza, of Ward 04, Plan Bandipora. Both are suspected OGWs associated with the banned outfit Tehreek-e-Hurriyat and were linked to FIR No. 04/2024 of Police Station Bandipora. A separate search was also conducted in Vigpara in connection with FIR No. 06/2024 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Police confirmed that the searches were conducted in the presence of an executive magistrate, and all suspects were questioned. However, no incriminating material was recovered during the operation.
The cases under investigation pertain to militant handlers and secessionist organisations operating from across the border, who are allegedly conspiring with local members of proscribed groups to further their agenda in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities believe these individuals have been involved in creating new modules of OGWs to aid, abet, and provide logistical support to militant organisations, facilitating unlawful activities in the region.
Officials stated that the ongoing probe is aimed at dismantling the militant ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir by identifying OGWs and ensuring legal action against those supporting and abetting militancy.
