Addressing a presser, IGP Kashmir Range Munir Khan said, “Rameez Yatoo, an OGW, was arrested from Kulgam,” He said we have recovered arms and ammunition from his possession. IGP said, “Rameez had also helped three militants in attacking police party at Damhal Hanjipura in district Kulgam in which one police driver lost his life". He said that operation was carried out by Hizb. He further added that two local militants, identified as Khursheed Ahmad Dar and Haziq Rather have been arrested from Kund area of Qazigund. He added that the Jammu Kashmir Police, CRPF and Army urge local militants to surrender. “In return, the forces assure them of rehabilitation, safety and security,” IGP said.

Viewpoint

OGWs are the key through which police cracked many militant networks in the valley this year, and which led the security forces to many wanted militants. A militant is like a leaf. When you hold it up to the sun, you see these veins supporting it, giving it nutrition. That’s the OGW network, backbone of militancy. OGWs are people who are working clandestinely to provide logistics, carry out reconnaissance of the targets, arrange hideouts, help in recruitment, manage finances, and act as guides for the armed terrorists in the state. This trend of OGWs surrendering and giving out information leading to terrorists hints that probably OGW’s/locals are also wanting a peaceful state and have started trusting the security forces once again. This is a positive development as the cooperation of the youth of Kashmir is essential to build a safe and secure environment free of militancy.