SIA arrests OGW linked to Hizb-ul-Mujahideen sleeper cell

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 23 (STC): An alleged Over Ground Worker (OGW), Altaf Hussain Wagay, son of Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Wagay, resident of Reban Gund, Behram, Shopian was arrested by the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir today.
In a statement, the SIA said the arrest was made as part of an ongoing investigation under FIR No. 01/2025 registered at Police Station CI/SIA Kashmir under sections 13, 18, 18-B, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
According to officials, the accused was working as a sleeper cell for the banned terrorist organisation Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.
The agency further stated that the investigation has led to evidence suggesting that Wagay was in contact with a handler associated with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen who is based outside India.
“On the handler’s instructions, the accused was allegedly involved in activities including conspiracy related to terrorism, dissemination of anti-India narratives, and coordination of unlawful acts,” reads the statement quoted in a cross section of media.
Further, an official stated that the activities linked to the accused were directed at disturbing public order and promoting narratives intended to incite disaffection and communal tension.
The arrest, officials said, is part of a broader effort to identify and dismantle sleeper cells that are allegedly involved in promoting secessionist content and maintaining connections with terrorist groups and handlers operating from across the border.
(Straight Talk Communications)