Forget gun-toting terrorists, Lashkar-e-Taiba has introduced 'Cyber Mujahids' (warriors) to unleash new psychological warfare and radicalise youth for terror in the strife-torn Jammu and Kashmir.
Cyber Mujahid cells have been set up across Pakistan to exploit the social media and target the gullible youth in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Sponsored by some external forces, these elements are using social media to radicalise our youth for their vested interests. Across border they have put youth on this job, called Cyber Mujahids," said Dr Shesh Paul Vaid, director general of police (DGP), Jammu and Kashmir.
Jamat-ud-Dawa, the fountainhead of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has issued advertisements in the local newspapers in Pakistan seeking volunteers to fight Cyber Jihad using social media to the hilt.
"They (Jamat-ud-Dawa) have openly issued advertisements in the newspapers in Pakistan stating that to fight jihad you need not go to Kashmir and you can do it from home. That if you have a laptop or a mobile with an internet connection, you can fight for Kashmir Jihad sitting in your home. That is what they are doing," said Dr Vaid
Under this plan, the Cyber Mujahids are tasked to disseminate propaganda and whip up passions on Kashmir in a bid to lure youth to Jihad. Sources said the Cyber Mujahid cells have a job cut out to post graphic videos, spread fake news and upload Jihadi videos to glamorise militancy.
Alarmed by the cyberwar, the Jammu and Kashmir police have gone into an overdrive to keep a check and counsel vulnerable youth. "Some local youth have been counselled and a few of them found seriously involved have been charged. Besides, various social media units have been established at district headquarters to counter propaganda being circulated by such elements," tweeted Vaid.
The DGP said to prevent youth to get influenced by such ideology, J&K police are organising various youth-oriented programmes including sports events, cultural programs, Bharat Darshan.
"Besides, free coaching for the youth taking part in the competitive exams are being organised at different levels with an aim not only to engage them but to boost their talent and enlighten them about the beautiful world ahead," he said.
Figures compiled by different security agencies reveal that around 128 local youths have joined terrorist ranks in the last seven months in the Kashmir valley. Sources said around 126 youths had joined militancy in entire 2017. Around 250 terrorists are currently operating in Jammu and Kashmir even as 142 terrorists have been killed in different anti-terror operations so far this year.
