Raids on hospital lockers, car dealers, fertilizer shops lead to seizures and arrests in all-out security operation.
WS/VP DESK
Srinagar, Nov 21: In a sweeping response to the November 10 car bomb explosion at New Delhi’s Red Fort, Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified valley-wide security operations, conducting inspections at hospitals, automotive dealerships, and fertilizer shops.
The crackdown, which continued through Friday, aims to dismantle potential support networks and prevent the misuse of commercial and institutional premises for illicit activities.
Police spokesperson informed The Web Story/The Varmul Post that special teams conducted surprise checks on staff lockers in hospitals across the Ganderbal and Handwara districts. The action was described as part of “ongoing efforts to strengthen security and maintain a safe and accountable environment within healthcare institutions.”
The drive, police said, was intended “to ensure transparency and proper adherence to security protocols,” and to “prevent any misuse of hospital premises, curb illegal activities, and reinforce institutional discipline.” Medical staff were also briefed on the importance of reporting suspicious activities.
This heightened scrutiny follows a recent incident where an AK-47 rifle was recovered from the locker of Dr. Adeel Rather at the Anantnag Medical College. Dr. Rather, who worked as a senior resident until October 24, is among two doctors arrested in connection with an inter-state module case.
Simultaneously, in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, police launched a proactive drive targeting vehicle dealerships and fertilizer shops.
“Rigorous checking of vehicle dealers was done across the district,” a police spokesperson further said, emphasizing efforts to ensure strict compliance with legal norms and prevent the trade of unregistered or suspicious vehicles.
He said that fertilizer outlets are also under scrutiny to prevent the potential diversion of materials for manufacturing explosives.
In an operational success, security forces located and busted a militant hideout in the Neeriyan Forest area near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Nowgam sector of Kupwara. Preliminary reports indicate the recovery of a significant cache of weapons, including two M-series rifles, two Chinese pistols, two hand grenades, and several rounds of ammunition.
Amid the heightened operations, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma toured forward areas in Poonch, Jammu, to assess operational preparedness.
According to an Army spokesman, the officer reviewed the security situation and received briefings on ongoing counter-terrorist operations.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced on Thursday the arrest of four more individuals linked to the Red Fort blast, bringing the total arrests in the case to six. The agency identified them as Muzammil Shakeel Ganai (Pulwama), Adeel Ahmed Rather (Anantnag), Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay (Shopian), and Shaheen Saeed (Lucknow). The NIA stated all four played a “key role” in the terror attack, which left 13 dead.
In the aftermath, security forces have intensified measures across Jammu and Kashmir.
Official sources informed The Web Story/The Varmul Post that extra checkpoints have been established from Srinagar to all border areas, with intensified vehicle frisking and identity verification at major junctions and entry points.
“Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) are being launched to ensure public safety,” an official stated, adding that the Army and Border Security Force (BSF) are maintaining a high state of vigilance along the International Border and the LoC.
In a separate initiative, Poonch police have announced a reward of ₹5 lakh for “credible, specific, and actionable” information on terrorist movement, guaranteeing complete confidentiality for informants.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has raised concerns, flagging that Kashmiri students in several northern states are facing profiling, eviction, and intimidation following the November 10 blast.
