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 influence of OGWs. (Answer in 150 words)

Over-ground workers are non-combatant facilitators who sustain insurgent networks without necessarily participating directly in armed attacks.

Roles

• Provide shelter, food, transport, communications, reconnaissance and local intelligence.
• Recruit, radicalise, collect funds, spread propaganda and arrange weapons or safe routes.
• Exploit social networks and coercion to intimidate witnesses or mobilise protests.

Measures

• Use evidence-based intelligence fusion, financial tracking, cyber monitoring and lawful investigation.
• Improve police–community trust, protect witnesses and provide credible grievance redress.
• Counter extremist narratives through local leaders, education and responsible digital communication.
• Address alienation through jobs, service delivery and accountable security operations.

Conclusion

Neutralising facilitators requires precision and rule of law; indiscriminate action can deepen alienation and strengthen insurgent recruitment.

over-ground workers; insurgency; intelligence; counter-radicalisation