Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar
Srinagar, Oct 28: In a significant cyber intelligence operation, the Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) wing of Jammu and Kashmir’s CID announced on Tuesday that it successfully prevented two teenage boys from being lured into terrorism through online radicalisation networks.
According to an official statement, the agency uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated digital propaganda network operating across multiple social media platforms, thereby averting the recruitment of the two minors.
“CIK has foiled an online radicalisation attempt and safeguarded two teenage boys from falling prey to terror recruiters,” the statement said, lauding the unit’s cyber surveillance and social outreach efforts.
The operation exposed two radical social media accounts — ‘faithful_warrior57’ and ‘Gurkboru.08’ — that were actively glorifying terrorism and circulating extremist content aimed at provoking separatist sentiments and influencing impressionable youth.
Through sustained monitoring and technical analysis, investigators identified the account holders as 17-year-old Hashim Mashood Lone, son of Mashood Ahmad Lone from Khawjabagh, Maloora, and 15-year-old Mohammad Hazik Ahanger, son of Farooq Ahmad Ahanger from Railway Colony, Nowgam.
Both teenagers were located, apprehended, and later found to be juveniles. A forensic examination of Hashim’s mobile device confirmed him as the operator of ‘Gurkboru.08’ and revealed his online interactions with a Pakistan-based handler operating under the alias ‘Saqib’ (real name Ahmad Salar) — a known propagandist linked to The Resistance Front (TRF).
Investigations showed that the handler used encrypted apps and VPNs to conduct covert communication, manipulate emotions, and indoctrinate the teens with extremist ideologies. Hazik, who ran the ‘faithful_warrior57’ account, was found to be similarly influenced and guided by the same handler.
“Digital footprints indicated direct guidance, emotional manipulation, and ideological conditioning designed to pull the juveniles deeper into extremist circles,” the statement noted.
CIK’s swift cyber operation disrupted the entire network, preventing the radicalisation of the two minors and neutralising a growing online threat to community peace.
Recognising the social implications, the CIK also organised counselling sessions involving the boys’ families, local elders, and religious scholars. These meetings focused on raising awareness about the dangers of online radicalisation and encouraging responsible digital behaviour.
“This initiative highlights CIK’s balanced approach — blending operational precision with compassion — to protect youth and strengthen community resilience against extremist exploitation,” the statement concluded.