In a move that officials said was aimed at strengthening community participation in the fight against terrorism, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday announced a Rs 5-lakh reward for anyone providing “credible, specific and actionable information” regarding the presence or movement of terrorists or their associates in the border district of Poonch.
The identity of the informers will be “kept absolutely confidential” to ensure their safety, police said, urging the general public to remain vigilant and promptly report any information, particularly related to individuals involved in supplying food, shelter, or essential items to terrorists, or providing them with logistical support.
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Police also asked the public to inform them about those maintaining communication or contact with terrorists, whether it be passing information regarding the movement of security forces, facilitating finances, recruitment, networking, or coordination for terrorist activities.
Owing to the Pir Panjal region’s hilly landscape with dense forests and close proximity to the Line of Control with Pakistan, Poonch and Rajouri districts have been the focal point for terrorist activities since 2021.
Monday’s announcement by police comes in the aftermath of the November 10 Red Fort blast in Delhi and the busting of a terror module allegedly linked with the incident by the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has sought public cooperation in eliminating terrorism, saying, “People must expose the enemies of peace by providing information about them to the police and security agencies, so that the entire terror ecosystem hiding…in society is neutralised and a befitting reply is given to the evil intentions of the neighbouring country.”
He also called on people to “stand up against terror sympathisers”, and said that society plays a “critical role in recognising and reporting suspicious terror activities and countering radicalisation efforts”.
