New Delhi, September 14 2026 – Indian security agencies have reported that Lashkar‑e‑Taiba is intensifying a slow‑burn campaign to radicalise young people in Jammu & Kashmir, while simultaneously preparing a fresh infiltration effort.
Intelligence inputs indicate that the militant outfit has mobilised dedicated cells in Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir and Pakistan itself, tasked exclusively with spreading extremist ideology across the valley. An official from the Intelligence Bureau explained that these cells are targeting a small, dispersed group of local youth, urging them to recruit relatives and acquaintances into their fold.
The National Investigation Agency and the State Investigation Agency have responded by stepping up counter‑terror and anti‑radicalisation operations. In a recent sweep, the SIA uncovered five individuals – including two women – who maintained contact with handlers in PoK and Pakistan. Authorities say these contacts were part of a broader plan to nurture a homegrown radical network before expanding its reach.
According to the same sources, the ISI has instructed Lashkar‑e‑Taiba to adopt a gradual approach, allowing the extremist “poison” to spread quietly. The strategy involves first radicalising a handful of youths, then tasking them with identifying additional recruits, thereby creating a self‑sustaining recruitment chain.
Officials warn that radicalisation poses a more insidious threat than overt terrorism, as a larger pool of ideologically driven individuals can later be mobilised for violent acts. Parallel to this, the ISI is reportedly readying an infiltration wave of 30 to 40 operatives stationed in PoK. Once across the border, they would hide in dense forests, awaiting orders for a major strike, with intelligence assessments hinting at an attack comparable to the Pahalgam or Pulwama incidents.
While overt terror incidents in the valley have declined, the agencies remain vigilant, aiming to prevent any resurgence of both radicalisation and terrorism.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean News