Q12.The banning of ‘Jammat-e-Islami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency-affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize the influence of OGWs.

The banning of Jamaat-e-Islami in J&K brought into focus the critical role of Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) in sustaining terrorism in insurgency-affected regions.

OGWs are local facilitators providing crucial logistical support like shelter, transport, food, and weapons cache to terrorists. They gather intelligence on security forces' movements and potential targets.

• Recruitment & Radicalization: Instrumental in building local support, recruitment, and disseminating propaganda.
• Financial & Communication: Facilitate hawala transactions and maintain communication channels for terror groups.

• Implement intelligence-led operations and strengthen legal frameworks like UAPA for swift prosecution.
• Focus on community policing, de-radicalization programs, and economic development to address root causes.
• Enhance cyber surveillance and capacity building of local security forces to improve counter-insurgency capabilities.

Neutralizing OGWs demands a holistic strategy, integrating robust security measures with socio-economic development and community engagement to sever their local support base effectively.