Srinagar, Apr 26: At least 175 suspects have been detained Anantnag district of southern Kashmir as an extensive search operation continues to track down the terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 persons were killed and left many others injured at Baisaran area of Pahalgam, police said.
A police official said in wake of the recent Pahalgam incident and as part of intensified efforts to curb terrorism and its ecosystem, Anantnag Police, in close collaboration with the Army, CRPF and other security forces have launched extensive search and cordon operations across the district.
“As part of these operations, numerous raids were conducted at various locations throughout the district. Day and night search operations are underway with heightened vigilance. So far, around 175 suspected have been detained for questioning to dismantle the support networks aiding terrorist activities,” he said.
The official said that to further enhance security, additional Mobile Vehicle Check Points (MVCPs) have been established across the district to monitor suspicious movements and ensure public safety.
“Moreover, Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs), ambushes, and intensified patrolling have been launched, particularly in high-density forest areas, to flush out any possible terrorist presence and secure the district,” he said.
The official said Police, along with partner security forces, remain committed to maintaining peace and thwarting any attempt to disrupt normalcy in the district.
“We urge the public to cooperate and request citizens to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police establishment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Srinagar Police carried out extensive searches at 63 locations across the city, targeting the residences of Over Ground Workers and terrorist associates linked to proscribed outfits as part of ongoing investigations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
A police officer in Srinagar said that searches were conducted following proper legal procedures, in the presence of Executive Magistrates and independent witnesses, under the supervision of senior J&K Police officers.
“The objective was to seize weapons, documents, digital devices, and other materials to collect evidence and gather intelligence for detecting and deterring conspiratorial or terrorist activities,” he said.
Officials said this decisive action is aimed at dismantling the terrorist ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir by identifying and initiating legal proceedings against individuals engaged in anti-national and criminal activities.
“Police reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the city, warning that any individual found furthering violence, disruption, or unlawful activities will face strict legal consequences,” he said.
Meanwhile a joint investigation by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, and intelligence agencies is examining mobile tower dumps, call data records from areas in and around Pahalgam. Investigators believe the attackers may have taken shelter in a forested belt immediately after the strike and may still be hiding nearby.
“Preliminary leads indicate that the attackers fired indiscriminately into a crowd of civilians before vanishing into nearby woods. Among the 26 deceased were five tourists from Maharashtra and Gujarat, and three children, further intensifying public outrage,” he said.
Earlier Police identified two of the suspects as Pakistani nationals and have announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh for credible information leading to their arrest.
According to the notices made public by the Anantnag police, the suspects are: Hashim Musa alias Suleman, a citizen of Pakistan, Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai, also a citizen of Pakistan and Abdul Hussain Thokar, a resident of Anantnag. All three are believed to be members of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba.
