Security forces in Jammu & Kashmir have detained multiple individuals as part of ongoing operations targeting the illegal provision of SIM cards to militants. The actions follow a fatal attack on ex-serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay in Kulgam district, south Kashmir, which also resulted in injuries to his wife and niece.
In response to the incident, security forces launched a large-scale anti-militancy operation in Kulgam, focusing on identifying and apprehending Over Ground Workers (OGWs) who provide logistical support to militant operations. The operation has resulted in dozens of detentions, with some individuals released after questioning while others remain in custody.
The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) unit of the J&K Police has detained five individuals in connection with a criminal conspiracy involving the procurement, transportation, and smuggling of SIM cards into Central Jail, Srinagar. The investigation revealed these cards were intended for use by inmates, including those with connections to militancy and narco-terrorism. The case highlights ongoing challenges in India’s broader efforts to verify suspicious mobile connections as part of national security measures.
Previous searches conducted by CIK officers within the jail premises uncovered evidence of SIM card smuggling operations. The investigation has expanded to examine the role of Point of Sale vendors from various telecom service providers who issued these SIM cards. The development comes as India implements stricter regulations requiring mandatory Aadhaar-based biometric verification for new SIM cards to prevent fraud and enhance security.
Over the past year, authorities have formally arrested more than thirty individuals in connection with obtaining and providing SIM cards to militants. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have implemented territory-wide measures to prevent SIM card misuse by terrorist and criminal groups, including intensified inspection protocols. These measures support India’s upcoming 2025 mandate for biometric authentication requirements in SIM card registration.
Security forces are using advanced surveillance equipment, including drones, to monitor affected areas, while ground teams conduct house-to-house searches. These operations are based on intelligence suggesting militants received local logistical support prior to recent attacks. The implementation of drone surveillance represents a growing trend in security operations, similar to applications seen in border patrol and security monitoring worldwide.
Sources: The New Indian Express, The Asian Age, Rising Kashmir
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