Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 21: Security forces have witnessed a remarkable change in the militant ranks active in Kashmir, with some local youth said to be replacing the foreign ultras. Forces, however, are hopeful to reverse this trend by reaching out to them and then taking steps for their well-being.
With Lashkar-e-Taiba under increased surveillance and monitoring from the west, Local recruits are alleged to be replacing foreigners. Security agencies are attributing this trend to varied reasons, including the alleged improper implementation of policy decisions.
The improper handling of the rehabilitation policy to help integrate those who gave up militancy has seen return of a few of them to the militant ranks, according to official sources.
Shakil Ahmed Wani of Badgaum, who carried out a strike at Pakharpura Shrine on June 16 this year, is a case in point. He is said to be having three postgraduate degrees from various universities.
The rehabilitation policy of the state Government that assured Rs. 1.5 lakh in fixed deposits and Rs. 2,000 as monthly stipend to each ultra who surrendered with arms existed only on paper and is nowhere on ground, sources said.
Influencing the local youth has become easy and convenient through social media, the analysis states, calling for a new strategy to deal with it. Use of tools such as Facebook, Youtube and the messaging app WhatsApp has enabled "cheap, quick…and broad dissemination and unfettered communication" by militants. |
