Terror module busted in Kashmir: CIK files charge sheet against key operatives
The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) division presented a charge sheet in a case pertaining to a terror module.
The module has been working in collaboration with Pakistan-based handlers and aimed at the radicalization of Kashmiri youth through encrypted messaging applications.
The charge sheet was filed before the Special Judge in Srinagar, designated under the NIA Act, pertaining to FIR No. 07/2023.
The prime accused in the case are Pakistani national Illyas Kashmiri, alias Gazi Hamas, alias Haider, a commander of terror organizations based in Pakistan. Kashmiri is a native of Bhawalpur in Pakistan and is stated to have played a vital role in planning and coordinating the activities of the terror module. Other key figures of the module are: 1. Waseem Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Kandoora, Beerwah, Budgam; 2. Junaid Ahmed Mir, a resident of Tekipora Lolab, Kupwara 3. Shabir Ahmed Gojri, resident of Darbagh Harwan, Srinagar Grave charges like sections 13, 18, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, along with Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, have also been pressed against accused persons.
The charges outline criminal conspiracy, abetting terror activities, and providing support to proscribed organizations such as Laksher-e-Toiba, AuGH, and JeM.
The investigation conducted by CIK has revealed that the general modus operandi of this terror module involved its main radicalization agenda through encrypted messaging apps.
Pakistani handler Illyas Kashmiri is accused of sharing seditious and radical contents with the Kashmir-based members.
The motive, in other words, was to engage gullible youth into the ranks of these terror outfits with incentives so as to propagate the ideology of extremism.
This digitized radicalization reflects an alarming trend where terror outfits take to social media and encrypted communication to evade the police and law-enforcing agencies.
The case underlines, once more, the evolving techniques of terror organizations that increasingly use virtual networks for recruitment and coordination.
Apart from radicalizing youth, the accused were reportedly acting as Overground Workers for these terror outfits.
OGWs play a very vital role in sustaining terror activities as they help in the transportation of arms, ammunition, and other logistical support.
The charge sheet has revealed that these accused persons were actively involved in such operations at the direct instance of Kashmiri handler Illyas.
With this, the agencies have announced a ₹3 lakh reward for any information regarding his arrest, showing that the agencies have turned the heat on to neutralize his operations.
The Use of Social Media in Terrorism The case of CIK brings out in bold the increasing role of social media in promoting terrorism in Kashmir.
The encrypted platforms, which guarantee end-to-end privacy, have become the tools for the terror handlers across the border to evade surveillance and direct the potential recruits into militant activities.
The role of the apps such as Telegram, Signal, and other encrypted platforms came to the fore as the investigations by the police authorities are progressing. The handlers of terror, just like Illyas Kashmiri, would always use such modes of communication so that the messages and plans remain well-guarded from the law enforcement agencies.
This case has prompted the police to call upon the general public, especially the youth, to be very careful while using social media. “Social media, though a strong tool, can be dangerous avenues for getting radicalized,” a senior police officer cautioned.
He further added that users must be vigilant against misinformation, suspicious individuals, and harmful content that could be used to manipulate and radicalize them for nefarious purposes.
It is a grim reminder of how the force is continuing to face “an extraordinary challenge” in containing terror activities within Kashmir Valley.
The incidents indicate that the region, while passing through different socio-political phases, has to confront new challenges presented by the increasing reliance of terror outfits on technology. The charge sheet presented by CIK is not a mere legal proceeding but a strong message towards the elements who are taking undue advantage of the Kashmiri youth’s vulnerability. It is for this very reason that the authorities also remain unequivocal in their stand against terror and hope that these current efforts will impede such campaigns of radicalization and deter the recruitment of the region’s youth into violent extremism.
The investigation is still not over, and the police are keeping a tight vigil on all online activities that tend to relate to terror organizations.
It remains to be seen how this case develops in the coming months, but for sure, this quick move of the CIK has sent a major dent to the terror network operating in Kashmir.— (KB)
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