More than 1,500 people have been picked up for questioning in the Valley as an operation launched across Kashmir to dismantle militants’ support network entered its third day on Monday, officers said.
Sources said the operation is a “pre-emptive strike, following some credible inputs”, and is aimed at preventing the “re-organisation” of militants.
According to sources, the main target of the operation is young men with links to militants, militant sympathisers, and family members of militants based in Pakistan.
“As of now, over 1,500 people have been picked up for questioning,” a senior police officer said. “We have launched simultaneous operations in all parts of the Valley, and the main targets are the people who had a terror background, their sympathisers, former OGWs (Over ground workers) and people who have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, but are out on bail.”
The aim is to keep “militants and their sympathisers in check by keeping them under constant pressure. This has worked in the past as well,” the officer said. He also said that there were inputs that militants would “try to disrupt the peace”, so it was “necessary to dismantle their support network”.
Police said that during the operation, they also checked for incriminating materials, digital devices, and other items being used to provide logistical or any other kind of support to militants. The Anantnag police said the “searches concluded peacefully and no illicit or incriminating material was recovered”.
“The operation was conducted in accordance with due legal procedures and under proper authorisation,” police said, adding, “J&K Police reiterates its firm commitment to taking stern action against individuals or groups involved in activities detrimental to national security and public peace.”
