Digital Tactics: Terror Groups Exploit Social Media for Recruitment in Kashmir

Pakistan's intelligence agency and terror groups increase recruitment efforts in Kashmir via social media, using fake profiles and VPNs to evade detection. Targets are drawn into manipulative content by handlers linked to ISI to foster a recruitment-friendly narrative, despite heightened security measures.

Terror groups and Pakistan's intelligence agency are increasingly targeting young recruits in Jammu and Kashmir by exploiting digital platforms. Officials disclosed on Sunday that as direct interactions become harder due to heightened security, these groups are shifting to social media and messaging apps for their recruitment strategies.

Fake profiles and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are being used to bypass security checks, luring vulnerable individuals into private groups where they encounter manipulative content, including staged videos. The aim, according to officials, is to incite resentment using a concocted narrative aided by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Security officials noted an increase in online recruitment activities, especially in South Kashmir, with efforts to indoctrinate youths into extremist ideologies. Vigilant monitoring through newly established security units is touted as a countermeasure, aiming to intercept potential recruits before further radicalization occurs.

(With inputs from agencies.)