SUMIT SHARMA
Jammu: In a significant security-related development, a team of the Special Operations Group (SOG), Jammu, on Thursday morning detained a resident of Sidhra for questioning in connection with suspected communication links across the border.
Official sources said the SOG team reached the Sidhra area today morning and took one Muhammad Afzal into custody for further verification. After completing initial formalities at his residence, the team moved him towards Jammu for questioning.
Muhammad Afzal is originally a resident of Handwara, and is presently living in Sidhra. Sources indicated that the action was taken following inputs suggesting that he was allegedly in contact with his son Sajjad Afzal, who has been residing in Pakistan for the last around 30 years.
They said that the suspect’s two daughters are serving in the Education Department as a Headmaster and a teacher, both are posted in Srinagar. His son is serving as a Range Officer in the Forest Department and is also posted in Srinagar, while his another son, Sajjad Afzal, is reportedly settled in Pakistan.
Sources said that the government employees are under scrutiny as security agencies are undergoing their Call Details Reports (CDRs).
Meanwhile security agencies clarified that the individual has been taken for questioning only and no formal arrest has been made so far. Further verification is underway to ascertain the nature of the alleged communication, if any. Officials said appropriate legal action will be taken strictly as per law if any wrongdoing is established.
The development has drawn attention in the area amid heightened security vigilance in and around Jammu region.
