Srinagar: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has arrested an overground worker (OGW) linked to Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, marking a significant breakthrough in its counter-terrorism operations.
The accused, identified as Altaf Hussain Wagay, son of Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Wagay and a resident of Reban Gund, Behram Shopian, was allegedly operating as a sleeper cell for the banned terror outfit, an official statement said.
The arrest was made during the investigation of FIR No. 01/2025 registered under Sections 13, 18, 18-B, 38, and 39 at Police Station CI/SIA Kashmir. Evidence gathered by the agency reportedly confirms Wagay’s links with a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen handler operating from across the border, under whose directions he was involved in terrorist conspiracies, spreading anti-India propaganda, and furthering secessionist narratives.
According to the SIA, his activities aimed at undermining India’s sovereignty, inciting public disorder, and fuelling communal hatred. Officials described the arrest as a key step in unearthing radicalised sleeper cells engaged in unlawful and separatist activities with direct links to Pakistan-based terror handlers, organisations, and intelligence agencies.
The development comes a day after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha dismissed two government employees in Kupwara— a teacher from Karnah and an Assistant Stockman from Keran— for alleged links with Lashkar-e-Toiba. The terminations were made under Article 311 (2)(c) of the Constitution after agencies produced incriminating evidence against them.
Since assuming office in August 2020, LG Sinha has prioritised dismantling the terror ecosystem by targeting not only active militants but also their overground networks and sympathisers within government institutions.
