Terror groups recruit women, youths: Threatens Kashmir peace

In an alarming new development, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan and various terror group leaders have reportedly started to engage women and juveniles as couriers for weapons and messages. This strategy was revealed amid a noticeable decline in conventional modes of communication used by terrorists in the Kashmir valley, according to a high-ranking military officer.
The General Officer Commanding of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, also referred to as Chinar Corps, Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla, expressed his concerns about this disturbing trend. He warned that these tactical shifts necessitate vigilance since entities on the other side of the Line of Control (LoC) are actively devising schemes to destabilise the currently peaceful environment.“The present danger lies in the recruitment of women, girls, and juveniles for transporting messages, narcotics, and occasionally, weapons,” said Lt Gen Aujla. The military has detected a number of cases underscoring this emerging trend, indicating a perilous manoeuvre by Pakistan’s ISI and terror group leaders. He further added that joint measures are being taken in collaboration with other agencies to address this issue.
When queried about the implications for terror group communication, Lt Gen Aujla noted a substantial reduction in Techint (technical intelligence) signatures. Additionally, many Over Ground Workers (OGWs) who previously functioned as intermediaries have been apprehended.
Due to these changes, terror groups appear to be exploiting women, girls, and juveniles as alternate messengers, stated the senior military officer.
In a bid to counter radicalization, the army, in partnership with the Union Territory administration, has rolled out several initiatives. One notable initiative is the ‘Sahi Rasta’ (right path) program, which has demonstrated promising outcomes in recent times.
“We have made significant strides in establishing peace and stability in Kashmir. However, it would be premature to declare victory, as every accomplishment needs to be solidified before we can hope for enduring peace in the Union Territory,” he added.
Without explicitly naming Pakistan, Lt Gen Aujla indicated that the neighbouring country continues to instigate problems on both sides of Pir Panjal, as evidenced by the recent infiltration attempt in the Machil sector of north Kashmir.
He emphasised the readiness of all security agencies, including those from the Union Territory administration, to thwart any ill-intentioned actions from the adversary.
Despite a decrease in infiltration along the LoC in Kashmir, there have been sporadic attempts south of Pir Panjal and in neighbouring Punjab.
The officer stressed the importance of maintaining vigilance to safeguard national security, pledging that no effort will be spared to uphold it.
Recognizing the potential threats from across the LoC, he affirmed that all measures are being taken to protect the hard-earned peace and normalcy in the region from harmful entities.
Mounting pressure and intelligence-based operations have kept terrorists on the back foot, resulting in a majority of them either fleeing the valley or lying low, said the officer. He added that the less visible form of terrorism is a concern, and efforts are ongoing to eliminate this phenomenon.
He also reported a decline in terror attacks and encounters between security forces and terrorists in Kashmir this year, marking a positive trend towards peace and stability. A shift in the local population’s attitude towards violence was lauded by the officer, emphasising the need to further strengthen public confidence in security forces and government entities.
“As we face the challenges ahead, I am optimistic that collectively we can establish a new era of peace in Kashmir,” Lt Gen Aujla concluded. He also praised the cooperation among all security forces in ensuring a smooth G-20 meeting held recently in the valley.