OGWs mobilised for supply chain of essentials
JAMMU, SEP 18: In a significant shift in tactics which will have a far-reaching impact on the anti-terror operations by security forces, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and terrorist groups like Lasher-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen have reportedly directed terrorists to avoid taking shelter in villages to evade encounters with the Indian Army.
Instead, they are being directed to establish hideouts in dense forests and natural caves to use hit-and-run tactics.
This change in strategy underscores the evolving landscape of terrorism in the Kashmir Valley. Sources claimed that during the past three years, several batches of hardcore Pakistani terrorists supported by Over Ground Workers (OGWs) have been hiding in deep forests of Pir Panchal (Rajouri, Poonch) and South Kashmir (Anantnag, Kulgam and Shopian) and carrying out targeted attacks on the security forces and then disperse back in the wilderness.
“ISI’s directive aims to reduce the risk of terrorists being killed during counter-terrorism operations in populated areas. By dispersing into the wilderness, they hope to evade the security forces, who have been conducting relentless anti-terror operations in the region since the scrapping of Article 370,” said an intelligence source.
This change is a response to the security forces’ heightened vigilance and improved intelligence gathering, which have made it increasingly challenging for terrorists to operate freely in populated areas. By relocating to the forested regions and caves, terrorists believe they can maintain a lower profile and minimize their exposure to security forces.
“ISI has intensified its efforts to provide training in surviving in wilderness environments, including navigation, camouflage, and basic survival skills. They are facilitating infiltration of mainly hardcore Pakistani nationals to create violence in Jammu and Kashmir,” said a senior J&K Police official.
Meanwhile, Over Ground Workers (OGWs), who provide logistical support, are playing a crucial role in ensuring the supply chain of essentials to terrorists hiding in the forests. “These OGWs are responsible for procuring and transporting food, medical supplies, ammunition, and communication equipment, thereby sustaining the terrorist operations,” claimed a senior official.
Security agencies have intensified their efforts to counter this new strategy by tightening security in forested areas and monitoring OGW activities. Additionally, they are focusing on winning the trust of the local population to prevent support for militants and to gather actionable intelligence.
