Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 14: Indian security agencies have intensified operations following intelligence inputs that Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is making renewed efforts to rebuild terror and radicalisation networks in Jammu and Kashmir.
Latest intelligence reports indicate that the banned outfit has stepped up efforts to revive its activities in the Valley, while intercepts suggest an increase in attempts to radicalise youth in the region.
An official said the developments have prompted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the State Investigation Agency (SIA) to intensify counter-terrorism and anti-radicalisation measures.
According to officials, LeT has established dedicated units in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) focused on radicalisation activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
An Intelligence Bureau official said the outfit has been targeting a relatively small number of youths across Jammu and Kashmir as part of an effort to gradually expand its influence.
While radicalisation and terrorism have declined significantly in the Valley, agencies are maintaining heightened vigilance to prevent the problems from resurfacing, the official added.
Another official said Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and LeT have established units dedicated to radicalisation and have involved individuals who had previously exfiltrated to Pakistan and PoK.
These individuals, according to the official, have relatives in Jammu and Kashmir and have allegedly been directed to use their contacts to identify potential targets for radicalisation.
The objective is to create a group of radicalised individuals in Jammu and Kashmir who could subsequently be drawn into terror-related activities, the official said.
SIA identifies five persons
In a recent operation, the SIA identified five persons, including two women, who had allegedly been in contact with individuals in Pakistan and PoK.
Officials said the individuals were found to be communicating with handlers based in the two regions, with attempts allegedly being made to radicalise them.
Officials believe LeT's strategy is initially to radicalise a limited number of people and then encourage them to identify and influence others across Jammu and Kashmir.
The objective, they said, is to establish a homegrown radicalisation network and gradually bring more youth into the fold.
The ISI has reportedly instructed LeT to proceed slowly with the process, officials said, adding that the strategy is to begin with a small number of individuals before expanding the network through them.
Officials described radicalisation as an especially serious challenge, saying a large pool of heavily radicalised individuals could pose a greater long-term threat to society and potentially provide support for future terror activities.
Fresh infiltration attempts
Meanwhile, security agencies have also detected fresh attempts at infiltration along the Line of Control.
In the first phase, the ISI is reportedly seeking to push around 30 to 40 terrorists who are waiting at launchpads in PoK, according to officials.
After infiltration, the terrorists are expected to take shelter in dense forest areas and remain there until receiving instructions to carry out attacks, officials said.
An intelligence assessment has warned that the ISI could be planning an attack on the scale of the Pahalgam or Pulwama attacks.
Officials said the suspected targets could include Kashmiri Pandits and migrant workers, with the alleged objective of creating divisions and disturbing communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir.
Such a development, officials warned, could create a fresh security challenge for agencies operating in the region.