Online terror recruitment bid foiled, 2 juveniles saved: CIK

Srinagar, Oct 27: The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Monday said that it foiled a plot of online radicalisation and saved two youth from the recruitment of terrorists.

A statement of CIK issued here said that it had once again demonstrated its exceptional professional competence, cyber intelligence skills, and social outreach capabilities by dismantling a digital radicalisation network operating through multiple social media platforms.

“The timely operation not only neutralised the propaganda machinery of a terrorist outfit but also safeguarded two impressionable young boys from being recruited into terrorism,” the CIK statement said.

It said that based on precise intelligence inputs and sustained cyber surveillance, CIK identified two radical social media handles, ‘faithful_warrior57’ and ‘Gurkboru.08’  engaged in glorifying terrorism and circulating extremist narratives.

“These accounts were actively sharing propaganda material, including audio clips and digital content of known terrorists, designed to sow discord, promote secessionist sentiment, and attract vulnerable youth toward violent extremism,” the CIK statement said.

It said that following detailed technical analysis, the operators of these accounts were identified as 17-year-old Hashim Mashood Lone, son of Mashood Ahmad Lone of Khawajabagh, Maloora, and 15-year-old Muhammad Hazik Ahanger, son of Farooq Ahmad Ahanger of Railway Colony, Nowgam.

The statement said that both were traced, apprehended for questioning, and found to be juveniles.

“Digital forensic examination of Hashim’s mobile device established him as the user of ‘Gurkboru.08’ and evidence revealed he was disseminating terror content under the direct guidance of an online handler. Investigations further disclosed that he had been using encrypted communication tools and VPNs to sustain covert interaction with cross-border handlers,” the CIK statement said.

It said that subsequent inquiry traced the online handler operating under the alias ‘Saqib’ (real name Ahmad Salar), a Pakistan-based propagandist linked to The Resistance Front (TRF).

“Salar was orchestrating a sophisticated online indoctrination effort, exploiting social media to manipulate vulnerable youth through ideological grooming, false promises, and glorification of militant activities,” the CIK statement said.

It said that the second juvenile, Hazik, operating the handle ‘faithful_warrior57’, was similarly influenced by the same handler.

“Digital traces revealed instructions, emotional manipulation, and ideological conditioning intended to draw both minors deeper into extremist networks,” the CIK statement said.

It said that through meticulous coordination, superior cyber analytics, and swift operational execution, CIK successfully disrupted the network, effectively preventing the recruitment of two juveniles and thwarting an emerging radicalisation threat that could have endangered community safety.

The statement said that, recognising the social dimension of this threat, CIK held joint counseling sessions involving the families of juveniles, community elders, and local religious scholars.

“These sessions aimed to help the youth and their guardians understand the grave repercussions of radicalisation and the importance of responsible digital engagement. The initiative underscored CIK’s compassionate approach, combining operational excellence with social responsibility and strengthened community cooperation against extremist exploitation,” it said. The CIK appealed to parents, educators, and religious leaders across J&K to remain vigilant, guide the youth responsibly, and report any suspicious online activity promoting extremist narratives. It reiterated its steadfast commitment to protecting young minds from radical influences, preserving peace, and upholding the collective security of the region.