Security agencies in tizzy over Hizb commander's video

The recent video of 21-year-old commander of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Burhan Wani asking youth to join “jihad” (holy war) for establishing caliphate (Islamic empire) has sent security agencies in Kashmir into a tizzy.

Police higher-ups were brainstorming on how to establish a counter mechanism to stop new wave of terror in Valley as dozens of youth have reportedly joined militant ranks after surfacing of Wani’s videos and pictures on social networking sites in the last few months.

Asking youngsters to join the militancy and help set up a caliphate, Wani in the recent video posted on social networking sites said people like him had “sacrificed” their future for Kashmir. “If you can't join us, help us in whatever way you can,” he said in the video lasting a little more than five minutes.

J&K Director General Police (DGP) K Rajendra told reporters they were establishing all angles related to Wani and investigating release of videos. “Once we are done with the investigation, we will share that with press,” he told reporters.

Sources told Deccan Herald that as part of the investigation, Inspector General Police (IGP), Kashmir, S J M Gillani has called a meeting of top security officers, including that of the Army, CRPF and other agencies to chalk out a strategy for countering the growing popularity of Wani.

On Friday, a group of youth hoisted flags of Hizbul and held a picture of Wani, the new face of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, dressed in Army fatigues with a Kalashankov slung over his shoulder.

The IGP told reporters on Friday they were already looking into the recent video of Burhan. “We are trying to find out how the video was circulated and where it came from,” he said. “As far as Burhan’s poster and Hizb banners, it is a concern for us. We have already started investigations.”

The 21-year-old, who carries a Rs 10-lakh bounty on his head, is adept at using social media and keeps releasing audio and video messages.