Encrypted messaging platforms being used to recruit boys into militant ranks: CIK

Srinagar, Oct 22: The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) Tuesday said it conducted raids at multiple Kashmir locations in connection with a search warrant under FIR No. 06/2023 u/s 153-A, 505, 121, & 120-B IPC r/w 13 & 39 UA (P).

The case, CIK said, is related to a conspiracy designed by terrorist organisations operating within J&K and across the LoC on the directions of Pakistan-based agencies. The CIK conducted raids at Srinagar, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Kulgam, Budgam, Anantnag, and Pulwama.

These agencies are in a continuous process of creating new "terror modules" in Kashmir, using various social media applications, especially with those with encrypted services.

Their intention is to involve the youth of J-K in unlawful and terrorist activities while also making them join the militant ranks, said CIK in an official handout.

It further said that on the basis of information and evidence developed by police station CIK, it founded that one Baba Hamas is a terrorist handler of LeT and is going to float a new terrorist organisation by the name of ‘Tehreek Labaik Ya Muslim’ (TLM).

"It was further found that said terrorist handler ‘Gazi Hamas’ is providing seditious material and directions to OGWs/supporters/facilitators/sympathizers through various covert/encrypted social media applications for radicalization and luring the youths to join terrorist ranks of newly floated terrorist organization ‘Tehreek Labaik Ya Muslim’," CIK said.

"The module is in continuous touch with members of terrorist organization(s) across the border, amongst other modes of communication, it is learnt that encrypted internet messaging platforms, besides other software applications are being used, as such, the searches were conducted at 10 locations of Kashmir valley wherein besides arrest of suspects, incriminating material in the form of digital devices, SIM cards, Mobile phones, laptops and seditious material having bearing on the investigation of the case have been recovered and seized in the case," the handout said.

The CIK said that this newly floated organisation has claimed few incidents in recent past, including but not limited to, a fire incident in Panchayat Ghar in Seer area of south Kashmir's Pulwama and another fire in a remote village of Doda.

The outfit is also responsible for pasting of posters at various locations in south and Central Kashmir and on internet platforms as well.

"The investigation is aimed at dismantling the terror ecosystem in the UT by not only identifying Over Ground Workers (OGWs) supporting and abetting terrorism but by ensuring legal action as envisaged by the law of the land," the handout said.