Srinagar, Nov 05 (KNO): A local terrorist was involved in two recent attacks in south Kashmir, while a small number of foreign terrorists continue to operate in the Valley with local support, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Sujit Kumar said on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference at the Police Control Room in Srinagar, Kumar, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said it was difficult to determine the exact number of foreign terrorists as they frequently change locations.
"There are some footprints, but there cannot be a certain number because they keep moving from one place to another. Any fixed figure would be an exaggeration," he said.
The IGP said the local terrorist was involved in attacks in Anantnag and Kulgam. The Anantnag attack claimed the life of police official Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, who was on Amarnath Yatra duty on June 22. In Kulgam, two migrant workers from Chhattisgarh, Deepak Ratray and Bopinder, were killed at a brick kiln. The accused, identified earlier as Mohammad Lateef Bhat of Kulgam, is allegedly affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
On reports of recent infiltration, Kumar said he did not have verified information and would not comment without concrete data.
Referring to the terrorists killed in the Yousmarg-Korag operation in Budgam, Kumar said they had been operating across high-altitude areas, including mountainous stretches of Poonch and Budgam.
He said security forces had established dominance over these areas, leading to the successful operation, while noting that the vast terrain and mobility of terrorists in the mountains continue to pose operational challenges.
On the drug-terror nexus, Kumar said proceeds from narcotics trafficking were being used to fund overground networks. He said police had identified key operators both within Jammu and Kashmir and across the border.
According to the IGP, investigation teams have been sent outside the Union Territory to trace the wider network. He added that probes have revealed links to both cross-border sources and supply chains in other states.
Responding to concerns over restrictions on National Highway-44, Kumar said the security measures were necessary given the continuing threat.
"Threats are still there. IEDs are also being recovered around the highway," he said, adding that concerns regarding public inconvenience would be discussed with senior officers and security agencies.
He also said any technology being used by terrorists was on the radar of security forces.
Responding to concerns over the cost of de-addiction treatment, Kumar said the Police Drug De-addiction Centre was among the most affordable facilities in north India. According to the centre's head, Dr Muzaffar, patients pay only for food, while medicines are provided free of charge.
The IGP cautioned people against using photographs with government officers to project influence or seek favours. He said such photographs are often taken as goodwill gestures and should not be misconstrued as official support.
Kumar also stressed that government jobs are awarded on merit and warned youngsters against individuals claiming they can secure employment through influence. He added that action had been taken against employees whose appointments were found to be irregular—(KNO)