Indian Security Agencies Thwart Online Radicalization Attempt Linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad

Security agencies thwarted an online radicalization attempt originating from across the border while investigating a terror module linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad in connection with the Delhi blast.

According to exclusive information obtained by NDTV, numerous social media handles and phone numbers targeted young people in Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, and Kishtwar districts of Jammu during the past 48 hours.

Officials reported that these handles and numbers originated from Pakistan, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), and Dubai, and were detected and blocked by Indian agencies.

How Targets Were Identified

Terror handlers monitored social media platforms to identify potential recruits. They specifically looked for young individuals showing inclination toward religious extremism or exhibiting extremist tendencies. Once identified, handlers would initially send religious materials before gradually introducing propaganda content to indoctrinate them, according to officials.

This recruitment strategy proved unsuccessful. Security agencies have been vigilantly monitoring social media since dismantling Jaish-e-Mohammad's white-collar terror module, which focused on recruiting professionals such as doctors to avoid security scrutiny.

Recently, authorities identified two radical social media accounts operated by minors. These accounts were managed under the guidance of Pakistani handler Ahmad Salar, also known as Saqib, a Pakistan-based propagandist connected to The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group of the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror organization.

Officials stated that Salar exploited social media platforms to manipulate vulnerable youth through ideological grooming, false promises, and glorification of terrorist activities.

Focus On Recruitment

Jaish-e-Mohammad is reportedly targeting potential recruits for its women's brigade, Jamaat-ul-Mominat. The arrest of Lucknow native Shaheen Saeed in connection with the Delhi blast case and her connections to the suicide bomber and other suspects demonstrate the extensive reach and strategic planning of the organization.

The women's brigade operates under the leadership of Sadia Azhar, sister of Jaish chief Masood Azhar. Sadia and another sister, Samaira, are responsible for conducting online training and recruitment campaigns to expand their membership.