Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is working on a new strategy to shield terrorism and its associated networks in Jammu and Kashmir. (Image X @VivekSi85847001)
New Delhi: Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is working on a new strategy to shield terrorism and its associated networks in Jammu and Kashmir. Intelligence agencies have reported that, with the aim of evading investigations into terror-related incidents, the ISI has instructed its existing network of 'Over Ground Workers' (OGWs) to infiltrate national political parties.
According to these agencies, the objective of this strategy is to shield sympathizers of terrorism from the surveillance and operations of security forces by presenting them as legitimate participants in mainstream politics. These are the very individuals who play a pivotal role in providing logistical support, facilitating recruitment, and arranging funding for terrorist organizations. This startling information came to light during the interrogation of OGWs arrested by the Srinagar Police.
According to officials from central security agencies, investigations revealed that some of these individuals were, in fact, members of national political parties. The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) plans to conceal its network under the guise of political activities, thereby shielding its operatives from the suspicion of security agencies during any potential crackdown.
According to one official, the ISI's strategy is not limited merely to infiltration. As part of its tactical shift, the agency is also attempting to reactivate terrorist organizations from the 1990s that have long remained dormant. Pakistan is pursuing this course of action to portray terrorist activities in Kashmir as an indigenous local movement.
Pakistan remains under the constant scrutiny of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global watchdog responsible for monitoring money laundering and terror financing. The ISI is seeking methods that allow its terrorist networks to remain active without exposing Pakistan's direct involvement. It is for this reason that the strategy of utilizing old, local networks is being adopted.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, officials stated that the ISI's current strategy reflects its growing desperation. They noted that continuous operations by security forces have placed immense pressure on traditional terrorist organizations, while local support for newly formed proxy outfits has also dwindled significantly. In this context, the ISI is attempting to provide political cover to its network by influencing the new generation.
Security agencies have also observed that during cordon-and-search operations, whenever an Over-Ground Worker (OGW) is apprehended, they often attempt to shield themselves by displaying ordinary membership cards of national political parties. However, officials state that such attempts are frequently futile, as security agencies proceed with action only after a thorough investigation.
Security officials noted that this tactic has evolved over time. In the late 1990s, suspects would use Voter ID cards to evade the police. In subsequent years, they began relying on Aadhaar cards. Now, security agencies have observed that some individuals are utilizing membership in political parties as a protective shield.
In such instances, there has never been any interference from the political leadership. Investigating agencies operate autonomously and proceed strictly on the basis of facts. Ordinary membership in a political party cannot exempt an individual from investigation or legal action. Security agencies are also maintaining a strict vigil as the names of these terrorist organizations resurface.
These organizations defined the bloody era of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1990s and the early 2000s. They include groups such as Al-Umar Mujahideen, Al-Badr, and Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen. Efforts are currently underway to reactivate these dormant organizations. By reviving these groups, the ISI aims to project a false narrative.
Its objective is to portray the violence in Jammu and Kashmir not as a proxy war orchestrated from across the border, but rather as an indigenous, local-level movement. However, security agencies assert that the top leadership of these organizations remains ensconced in safe havens within Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), and is eager to return amidst the changed circumstances in Kashmir.
These networks, which are being reactivated, could be utilized to disseminate propaganda, mobilize funds, and foster radicalization among the youth. This is precisely why central intelligence agencies are maintaining constant surveillance over these activities and are working towards dismantling the logistical networks being established by OGWs.
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