 Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 31: In a significant development in the ongoing fight against terrorism in the Kathua district, police have detained six family members of a jailed overground worker, Mohammad Lateef alias Haji Lateef, for allegedly providing logistical support and shelter to terrorists involved in the Safiyan terror attack in the Rajbagh area.
The detained individuals include four females—Lateef’s wife and three daughters—along with his two sons. While official confirmation of these detentions is yet to be released, credible sources have indicated that the family members played a crucial role in aiding the terrorists’ movements across the region. According to sources, the detained family members assisted the terrorists in traveling from Saniyal village in Hiranagar to Safiyan village near Rajbagh, where the attack took place. The terrorists, believed to be part of a Pakistan-backed group, relied on this support network to execute their plans. The police have accused the family of providing not only shelter but also critical logistical assistance, including access to resources that facilitated the terrorists’ operations in the area.
Important to mention here that Mohammad Lateef was arrested for supporting terrorists involved in a deadly terror attack in Badnota village, located in the Lohai Malhar area of Kathua, on July 9, 2024. In that incident, a heavily armed group of terrorists ambushed two army trucks, killing five soldiers and injuring five others in a fierce encounter.
The attackers managed to escape after the assault, prompting a mas Police have detained six family members of a jailed OGW , Mohammad Lateef alias Haji Lateef.
He has been detained for allegedly providing logistical support and shelter to terrorists involved in the Safiyan terror attack.
Accused played a crucial role in aiding the terrorists’ movements across the region.
Following the March 27 attack in Safiyan village a major crackdown across Kathua has been launched o dismantle terror networks and apprehend suspects. The detention of Mohammad Lateef’s family members marks a continuation of this aggressive campaign against those suspected of facilitating terrorist activities.
Sources familiar with the investigation suggest that overground workers like Lateef and his associates form a critical support system for terrorist outfits, enabling them to operate in challenging terrains and evade security forces. The involvement of family members in such activities underscores the deep-rooted networks that sustain terrorism in the area, posing a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies.
As the investigation into the Safiyan terror attack progresses, authorities are expected to intensify their efforts to uncover the full extent of the support provided to the terrorists and to bring all those involved to justice. The detentions signal a firm stance by the police in targeting not just the perpetrators of attacks but also the broader ecosystem that enables their operations. | 