The Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested two Over Ground Workers (OGWs) associated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) for allegedly supporting terrorists behind ambush on Army vehicles in Billawar of Kathua on July 8 in which five soldiers were killed.

A team from the Malhar police station in Kathua made the arrests, marking a significant development as intelligence agencies were purportedly struggling to find a lead in this case.

The two OGWs were identified as Layaqat Ali, a resident of Ward Number 7, Kalna Dhanu Parole in Billawar; and Mool Raj, a resident of Bowli Mohalla in Malhar.

A case has been registered against the two accused under Sections 61(1), 113, 147 and 150 of the BNS and 2/3 of the EIMCO Act, at the Malhar police station, while further investigation is underway.

“These individuals were also found to have purposefully withheld crucial information by not disclosing it to the police in time. They deliberately chose not to disclose vital information to the police, thereby obstructing efforts to prevent terrorist actions,” an official said.

It has been learnt that the OGWs provided food and Internet connection from their mobile phones to the terrorists behind the attack.

It is believed that one of the two OGWs also helped the ultras in fleeing the spot after the attack. However, it could not be confirmed if they helped the terrorists in the identification of the spot for the attack. More arrests are likely to be made in coming days, a police official stated.

The police have questioned around 100 individuals in connection with this case so far. Meanwhile, preventive measures, including detention, have been taken against more than 40 persons to mitigate further risks and disrupt potential support systems (if any) for terrorist activities, the official said.

“The arrest of these OGWs is a testament to our resolve. We urge the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to their nearest police station” the official said.

The terrorists had hurled a grenade and opened fire at the Army vehicles near Badnota village in the mountainous Machedi area on July 8 while the Army personnel were on a regular patrol. The deceased included a junior commissioned officer, a havildar, one naik and two riflemen, all belonging to a unit of the 22 Garhwal Rifles.

Provided food, Internet

• The two Over Ground Workers (OGWs) — identified as Layaqat Ali and Mool Raj — allegedly provided food and Internet connection from their mobile phones to the terrorists behind the attack on Army vehicles.
• They were also found to have withheld crucial information, which they deliberately chose not to disclose to the police, thereby obstructing efforts to prevent terrorist actions.
• One of the OGWs allegedly helped the terrorists in fleeing the spot after they attacked the Army vehicles. However, it could not be confirmed if they helped the terrorists in the identification of the spot for the attack

Courtesy: The Tribune India: 26th July , 2024