Terror outfits renew recruitment drive in Kashmir

Shifting trend in strikes since Mufti Sayeed came to power

Pakistan-based terrorist outfits — Lashkar-e-Toiba, Hizbul Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammad — have dispatched 50 spotters to recruit locals, raising concerns among security managers.

Security forces have been getting reports about these outfits making renewed bid since the last three months. They have inputs of highly motivated spotters crossing over the fence and already brain washed locals to take up arms, taking advantage of growing faultlines in the state.

Of the 50 spotters, more than ten are foreigners, suggests reports available with security establishment.

Interestingly, the recruiters are not just from one outfit, but from three – LeT, HM and JeM. This security agencies believe, indicate a coordinated effort by the ISI to not allow the coalition government of PDP-BJP to settle down and focus on development.

Much of the reports on terror talent spotting security forces are getting are from Shopian and Anantnag regions forcing them to go for counter strategies that aim at wiping out foreign terrorists since they are more motivated and dreaded.

The Pakistan-backed terrorists are suspected to be involved in the March 20 fidayeen attack in Kathua and they have been getting direct instructions from JeM commander Gazali and LeT Commander Huzaifa. 

Security officials said they see a shifting trend in terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir since Mufti Sayeed government came to power. They fear political killings could happen next after terrorists attacked security forces and followed it up with targeting mobile phone towers – which is happening after a long interval.

Separatist Masarat Alam’s release and subsequent re-arrest had unsettled the peace in the state and emboldened the hawks waiting for an opportunity to gain prominence again.