Srinagar, Aug 12(KNS): Security forces have detained a Kathua-based kingpin of an Over Ground Workers (OGW) network, along with eight associates who were providing logistical support and guiding terrorists to the upper reaches of the Doda, Udhampur, and Kathua districts, besides facilitating their terror activities.

"A significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts of the J&K Police to counter terrorist activities and disrupt the terrorist network," a police spokesperson said, adding that subsequent to successful operation in Gandoh resulting in the killing of three foreign terrorists and on the basis of intelligence leads provided by central agencies followed by investigation by police, a module, apparently the main one, behind the recent infiltration that has resulted in increased terrorist activities and terrorist movements in upper reaches of Doda, Udhampur and Kathua has come to be exposed.

He said that the kingpins of the module in active collusion with terrorist handlers across the border, played crucial role in receiving the foreign terrorists after their illegal and surreptitious entry into India in the Samba-Kathua sector.

The police said that yhe module besides providing initial shelter, food and other minor logistics was also responsible for guiding them to the upper reaches of the mountains and jungles of Udhampur-Kathua-Doda districts around Kailash mountain which is at the center of tri-junction of these three districts.

"The members of module have confirmed that the three terrorists killed at Gandoh encounter had taken th help of the module in hiding and travelling without being detected till they reached the upper reaches," the police said.

"While the kingpin has been identified to be Mohd Lateef @ Haji Lateef, 08 other members of the module have been taken into custody as enemy agents.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelMohd Lateef @ Haji Lateef S/o Late Meer R/o Ambe Naal, Tehsil and District Kathua. He is the kingpin in the whole network of OGWs in the area. He acted as guide/ logistics etc for the groups of terrorists passing through the area. He engaged and directed others in their role as guide/food provider in the area. Akhter Ali S/o Late Rashid, R/o Ambe Naal, Tehsil and District Kathua," it said.

"Saddam S/o Late Baza R/o Bhadu Billawar, District Kathua Kushal S/o Late Baza R/o Bhaddu Billawar, District Kathua. Noorani S/o Late Meer R/o Juthana, P/S Rajbagh, District Kathua. Maqbool S/o Mohd Lateef R/o Soffain, District K athua. Liaquat S/o Haji Lateef. Kasim Din S/o Shahin Din. Khadim @ Qazi S/o Baza R/o Kattal, Bhadu, Billawar," it added.

"While more than 50 persons living in temporary Dhokes (summer kutcha huts) in the upper reaches and mountains for purposes of grazing of livestock have been investigated for coming in contact with the foreign terrorists for either providing food, shelter or communication help, only a few did not report to the police and some have accepted money from the terrorists. Those who have reported to the police intime are being treated as innocent," it said.

"The liability of others, owever, is being examined including prior connection with terrorists and their handlers across. Members of general public therefore are requested to inform the police about any the contact with terrorists as soon as possible after the terrorists have left. Failure to report besides being a criminal offence is likely to adversely affect the person's access to government benefits," the police said. (KNS)