Massive Anti-Terror Raids Underway in J&K's Poonch to Dismantle Terror Networks

 June 16, 2025 – In a significant escalation of its counter-terrorism efforts, the Jammu and Kashmir Police yesterday, Sunday, June 15th, launched extensive anti-terror raids across multiple locations in the border district of Poonch. These coordinated operations are part of a wider crackdown aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure and thwarting attempts by Pakistan-based terror groups to destabilize the region.

Officials confirmed that raids were conducted simultaneously at eight locations in Soujian and its adjoining areas. The focus of these operations is to target individuals and networks suspected of being involved in supporting and facilitating terrorist activities. This includes going after "Over Ground Workers" (OGWs), who provide logistical support, intelligence, and a crucial link between active terrorists and local populations.

The police action comes as authorities intensify efforts to prevent Pakistan-based terrorists from recruiting and radicalizing impressionable youth in the Union Territory to carry out subversive activities. The strategic location of Poonch, bordering Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), makes it a vital area for cross-border infiltration and illicit activities.

These latest raids are not isolated incidents. Earlier this month, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with other security agencies, had conducted similar large-scale raids at over five dozen (60+) locations in the border district, specifically targeting OGWs. The current operation is seen as a continuation of these efforts, designed to further weaken the terror ecosystem and sever their local support structures.

While specific details of arrests or seizures from yesterday's raids were not immediately released, such operations often yield crucial intelligence, electronic devices, and other material that can help in unearthing deeper terror conspiracies.

The ongoing crackdown reflects the unwavering resolve of security forces to maintain peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite a general decline in terror incidents over recent years, as reported by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the threat of terrorism, particularly from cross-border elements and their local facilitators, remains a significant challenge. The sustained pressure through intelligence-led operations and targeted raids is a key component of India's multi-pronged strategy to neutralize this threat.