Social media is the new face of Jihad in Kashmir

Militants have unleashed a hi-tech social media jihad to radicalise and recruit educated youth for terror activities in the strife torn Jammu and Kashmir.

What are the militants' plans?
A highly confidential letter of Jammu and Kashmir police accessed by dna reveals that militant and fundamentalist elements are recruiting and radicalizing the youth thorough different means including the
social media. "Reports are pouring in regarding the hectic induction of youth for the terrorist activities. Matter of recruitment raises further concern upon the induction of even educated youth. Reports further suggest about the growing radicalisation in semi-urban and rural areas, a feature hitherto unknown in the society," reads the letter.

What is their modus operandi?
Social networking sites are full on preaching separatist ideologies in Kashmir. Pro-azadi postings, pictures of slain militants, protest demonstrations and human rights abuses by forces are flooding the
social media in Jammu and Kashmir.
"A well-knit mechanism of separatists, over ground workers (OGWs) and fundamentalist elements at work to radicalise and recruit the youth.Extensive use of social media is also indicated," the letter adds.
What has compounded the problem is the growing radicalization of the youth. On Eid-ul-Fitr masked men waved Al Qaeda and Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS) flags in old city during the stone pelting session. A report of Australia based Kashmiri youth joining the ISIS has confirmed the worst fears of the agencies.

What are experts saying?
"The process of radicalizing youth has been going on for a long time. More worrying part is that educated youth are getting sucked into it. Social media is very potent weapon. There are reports that they are using codewords and secret language (through social media). The required expertise is available with them not only from Pakistan but from other places," said MM Khajooria, former director general of police, Jammu and Kashmir.

What are security forces doing?
Alarmed by the phenomenon, the police is now working on appropriate response to de-radicalize the youth and fill the gaps that are being exploited by the militant recruiters.
Under the plan, the police wants identify the issues which lead individuals and certain section to the path of terrorism and extremism. "To check out the counter measures (both short and long term) required to arrest further loss and win back the misguided youth. Prepare a roadmap and assign responsibilities at various levels as well as among different agencies," the letter adds.