J&K : ISI, Pak-based terror groups take online route to recruit youngsters

According to technical surveillance source, it has been found that militant organisations, along with Pak’s intelligence services, like the ISI, are using cyber and smartphone apps to attract sympathisers and stir up emotions among new recruits. The Pak-based terror outfits are resorting to using fabricated videos of fake security forces atrocities to indulge in recruiting in J&K, officials said on Sunday.

This change in the modus operandi of extremist organisations was sparked by a crackdown on J&K security sympathisers. In 2020, more than two dozen jihadist modules were dismantled by security forces and intelligence services, resulting in the detention of more than 40 sympathisers hired by electronic and smartphone apps.

Tawar Waghey and Amir Ahmed Mir, two terrorists who surrendered to the 34 Rashtriya Rifles of the Indian Army in December, provided security forces with more insight into the induction process of the J&K terrorist modules. In their comments, both Waghey and Mir said they first came into touch with a Pakistani-based manager through Facebook.

After indoctrination, the two men were handed over to the recruiters named Mohammed Abbas Sheik and Khalid. During the investigation, Tawar Waghey and Amir Ahmed Mir both admitted that they had been educated online using public channels, including YouTube.

Officials added that both Waghey and Mir had encountered their local touch just once in the South Kashmir Store. Not only were the two drafted into the militant group Lashkar-e-shadow Taiba’s unit, The Resistance Front (TRF), Tawar Waghey and Amir Ahmed Mir both obtained orders and religious teachings from Burhan Hamza, Pakistan.

Amir Siraj (22), Khawaja Gilgat’s final year graduation student. Siraj was gunned down in north Kashmir last month during an encounter between militants and security forces. Officials believe he was recruited by Jaish-e-Mohammed and like many others who have fallen prey to this indoctrination, was receiving orders from across the border.