Srinagar, Aug 2 — In a joint operation on Sunday, one overground worker (OGW) of terrorists was arrested in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district and arms and ammunition were recovered from his possession.
Officials said the OGW was arrested by joint security forces. “A joint ‘Naka’ (Checkpost) was set up at Zandfaran-Goriwan Crossing in Narwav by personnel of 46 Rashtriya Rifles, special operations group (SOG) of Baramulla police, 53 Battalion CRPF and 112 Battalion BSF as part of intensified security measures. During checking, a suspicious person coming from the Goriwan side tried to flee upon spotting the naka party. Alert troops chased and detained him on the spot,” the officials said.
On search of the suspect, joint forces recovered one camouflaged MP-5 type pistol, one magazine with 10 live 9mm rounds, one mobile phone and one black backpack from him.
The arrested individual has been identified as Aijaz Ahmad Ganie, son of Late Mohammad Sultan Ganie, a resident of Namblan, Sheeri, Baramulla. An FIR No. 37/2026 has been registered at Police Station Sheeri under relevant sections of law.
Investigation is underway to ascertain his links and activities, the officials said.
Overground workers called OGWs are civilian helpers, secret supporters, and logistics providers for armed terror groups.
The OGWs provide safe houses, food, transport, and also help move weapons. They gather and share real-time information on troop movements for the terror groups.
They handle money through illegal channels like hawala. OGWs find and radicalise vulnerable youth.
Security forces and intelligence agencies believe that OGWs constitute the hidden backbone of insurgencies/ terrorists without fighting directly.
Law enforcement agencies track and detain them under strict laws such as the Public Safety Act and UAPA.
In the wake of terrorist killings of non-local labourers and a police head constable recently, the police have rounded up around 2,000 OGWs from various districts of the Valley to trace their links to the assailants.