Radicalisation in Kashmir: Security agencies fear youths joining banned outfits like LeT, HM

NEW DELHI: As the Islamic State (IS) expands its global footprint with recruitments from across the globe, the Centre on Friday held a meeting with the J&K government to discuss the issue of ‘radicalisation’ in the valley. Besides IS, the security agencies fear that youths from Kashmir University are joining banned outfits such as Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT).

A report compiled by Intelligence Bureau (IB) on ‘Radicalisation in Kashmir University’ blamed the faculty within the campus for the rise in number of students joining militancy, and the state government was also told to identify the ‘masterminds’ who are trying to radicalise these youths. The government also advised the state government to “build a strong counter-narrative” against the ISISsponsored indoctrination.

“So far, there has been no instance of Kashmiri youths joining ISIS, but we have come across cases where Kashmiri men and women in diaspora are getting attracted to IS,” explained a senior official. It may be recalled that a youth from Srinagar who was studying in Australia travelled to Turkey on Indian passport early this year and is believed to have joined the IS. Sources in the J&K establishment told ET interactions with the Centre and intelligence agencies will now be a regular feature where they plan to discuss radicalisation and sensitise the youth with the help of their family members.