Over Ground Workers (OGWs) have emerged as one of the most insidious threats to national security, particularly in sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir. Unlike active militants, OGWs operate behind the scenes, providing logistical support, intelligence, shelter, and often facilitating terror activities under the guise of civilian life. Their ability to blend into normalcy, exploit state resources, and infiltrate key institutions makes them far more dangerous than they outwardly appear. It is this covert nature that makes their identification and elimination a challenging yet urgent priority for security agencies.
According to recent revelations, the OGW network has managed to penetrate even the government machinery, raising serious concerns about internal security. Over the past five years, security agencies have identified and dismissed around 80 government employees for their links with terror networks. These individuals, embedded within various departments including the police force, were reportedly involved in activities ranging from terror funding to direct collaboration with militant groups.
One of the most alarming cases was that of DySP Davinder Singh, who was arrested in 2021 for providing assistance to terrorists. Such incidents expose the vulnerabilities within our administrative systems and highlight the extent to which OGWs have corrupted state apparatuses.
As per sources, thousands of active OGWs operate in Jammu and Kashmir alone. Their names are part of intelligence records, and many are under continuous surveillance by security forces. Some are tasked with relaying information to militants, facilitating arms supply, and helping them evade crackdowns. This explains the frequent security raids and counter-insurgency operations across the region.
Another looming challenge is the presence of over 15,000 Rohingyas in the Union Territory, many of whom are living in sensitive areas. Their undocumented status and suspected involvement in illegal activities have added a new layer of complexity to the security environment. So far, at least 321 Rohingyas have been arrested in various cases, underscoring the need for a comprehensive verification and deportation process.
Former army officers and security analysts have repeatedly emphasized that the OGW network poses a greater threat than often realized. There is an urgent need for a multi-layered screening mechanism, especially for those seeking employment in government departments. Individuals with any suspected links to radical groups must be thoroughly investigated before being inducted into the system.
To effectively combat the OGW threat, the government must adopt a zero-tolerance policy backed by technological surveillance, community intelligence, and a strict internal audit of its institutions. Only then can we ensure that those who are entrusted with the security and service of the nation are not, in fact, working to undermine it from within.
