JAMMU: Security operations in J&K resulted in the killing of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) sharpshooter Junaid Ramzan Bhat in Dachigam forests near Srinagar Tuesday, while two women were detained in Udhampur district on suspicion of serving as “overground workers” for terrorist groups.
A resident of Kulgam in south Kashmir, Junaid was wanted in connection with the Oct 20 terrorist attack at a tunnel-construction company’s campsite in Ganderbal district, where seven employees were gunned down in cold blood.
The operation began Monday night when security forces acting on specific intelligence laid a cordon in Srinagar’s Harwan area. However, the terrorists escaped under the cover of darkness toward Dachigam. The forces resumed their operation Tuesday morning and killed Junaid after a brief gunfight.
His associates managed to escape. “A mop-up operation is ongoing in the area to track the remaining terrorists,” a police officer said.
In Udhampur district of Jammu region, homemaker Maryama Begum and Arshad Begum, a widow, were detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in Basantgarh for allegedly serving as guides and providing logistical support to terrorist organisations.
The action was part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the region, targeting networks of banned outfits like LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and their support structures.
According to a police spokesperson, 10 people were detained in Kathua district on Nov 27, following searches at 56 locations the day before. “Incriminating materials, including electronic devices, documents, unaccounted cash, weapons, and ammunition, were seized during the searches,” the spokesperson said.
Intelligence had indicated attempts by Pakistan-backed groups to activate local cells for a winter offensive, which included recruitment drives.