ISIS, Afzal Guru behind educated Kashmiri youth joining terror: Home Ministry

NEW DELHI: The home ministry has attributed the spurt in educated youth in Kashmir joining terrorist organisations this year to the thrust of the militant organisations on recruiting local youth and the affect of hanging of Parliament attack accused Afzal Guru besides the increasing influence of the ISIS.
ET has accessed a home ministry note which cites these reasons for educated Kashmiri youth, including professional degree holders, graduates and postgraduates joining terrorist organisations lately.

As per the note "mass contact programmes launched by separatist leaders" and the extensive use of social media by anti-India elements also contributed to educated youths taking the path to terror while the perceived "lack of credibility of mainstream political leaders" and absence of employment opportunities are also driving the youth to take to terror activities. The effect of ISIS and other global jihadi movements on Kashmiri youths is now being closely studied by the home ministry.