After OGW network, J&K cops target communication channel of terrorists

After dismantling Over Ground Worker (OGW) networks in the Jammu region, the police are now focusing on unauthorised SIM card distribution, suspecting that terrorists may be using such cards to communicate with handlers in Pakistan. Several videos of terrorist ambushes on Army personnel in Jammu’s forested areas, recorded using body cameras, have surfaced on social media platforms, particularly X. Intelligence agencies believe these videos were uploaded from Pakistan, indicating that terrorists have internet access.

Recently, the police detained over 50 OGWs across areas that had seen a spike in terror incidents. These individuals are believed to have provided logistical support to terrorists. Intelligence agencies are now investigating how terrorists maintain contact with their handlers in Pakistan, with reports suggesting that OGWs may have procured SIM cards using fake documentation and handed them over to terrorists. To counter this, police have launched a crackdown on vendors selling SIM cards without proper documentation.

Inspection drives have been conducted across all districts in the Jammu region to ensure adherence to regulatory guidelines and curb the misuse of SIM cards. Special teams have been deployed to verify vendors’ compliance with KYC regulations, record maintenance and DoT guidelines.

In Poonch, inspections were carried out in areas such as Poonch, Surankote, Mendhar, Mandi, and Gursa subdivisions. In Kishtwar, vendors were found lacking proper records, such as recharge and inventory registers or data on lost, damaged, or fraudulent SIM cards. Similar verification drives were conducted in 20 locations across Reasi district, while Udhampur district police carried out checks in Kud, Ramnagar, Rehambal, Udhampur city, and Basantgarh. In Rajouri, inspections were conducted in Rajouri city, Thanamandi, Nowshera, Sunderbani, Kandi, and Kalakote. These districts have witnessed many terror attacks and encounters during the past few months.

In Jammu city, police acted against vendors selling SIM cards using fraudulent IDs in areas under the jurisdiction of police stations in Khour, Kanachak, Domana, Nagrota, Bahu Fort, Gandhi Nagar, Bishnah, Bakshi Nagar, Nowabad, City, and Akhnoor. Similarly, cases were registered in Kathua, covering Kathua, Lakhanpur, Bani, Basohli, Billawar, Rajbagh, and Hiranagar areas, and in Doda district, including Gandoh and Bhaderwah. An official stated that the inspection drives aimed to enforce compliance with instructions for vendors, including installation of CCTV cameras, electronic billing and re-verification of old SIM cards.