Overview
On 25 August 2026, police, the Army and the CRPF carried out a successful operation in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. The joint teams apprehended two suspected overground workers (OGWs) and recovered a pistol, twelve rounds and a hand‑grenade.
Key Developments
- Two suspects, identified as Latif Ahmad Deedad and Aejaz Ahmad Bajad, were seized while emerging from the Yarwan forest and heading towards CB Nath village.
- Security forces recovered one pistol, twelve pistol rounds and one hand grenade from the suspects.
- A Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was launched based on coordinated intelligence inputs.
- Cases have been registered under the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
- The arrests follow the detention of three suspected OGWs in Shopian district on 24 August 2026.
Important Facts
The operation underscores the continued reliance on joint police‑Army‑CRPF coordination in counter‑terrorism. The seized weapons indicate that the suspects were preparing for potential violent acts. The registration of cases under both the Arms Act and UAPA enables prosecution for both illegal possession of arms and alleged terrorist activities.
Exam Relevance
- Internal Security Framework: Understanding the roles of agencies like CRPF, the Army and state police in counter‑terrorism operations.
- Legal Instruments: Familiarity with the Arms Act and UAPA is essential for GS‑2 questions on security and law.
- Terminology: Recognizing the concept of overground workers (OGWs) helps answer questions on terrorism financing and support networks.
- Geopolitical Context: Jammu and Kashmir remains a focal point of internal security challenges, relevant for both GS‑2 and GS‑3 (international relations) discussions.
Way Forward
Continued intelligence‑driven operations, enhanced inter‑agency coordination, and strict enforcement of the Arms Act and UAPA are vital to dismantle terror networks. Strengthening community outreach in vulnerable districts like Pulwama can help identify and isolate OGWs before they facilitate attacks.