Jammu – In a significant counter-terrorism operation, security forces have dismantled the recruitment module of a newly formed terrorist organization in Jammu and Kashmir. This organization, believed to be a faction of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), was allegedly being operated by a Pakistani handler known by the alias Baba Hamas. The operation, spearheaded by the Counter Intelligence Wing (CIK) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, unfolded across multiple districts of the Union Territory on Tuesday.
Coordinated Raids in Multiple Districts
The operation against this newly emerging terrorist group involved a series of coordinated raids in key districts including Srinagar, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Kulgam, Budgam, Anantnag, and Pulwama. These areas have long been hotspots for terrorist activities, and the recent crackdown is a critical move in combating the persistent threat of militancy in the region. The counter-terrorism effort follows a well-planned intelligence-driven strategy to target individuals associated with the recruitment network of the new terrorist faction.
Security forces acted swiftly, conducting house-to-house searches and seizing incriminating materials. The raids, still ongoing as of the last reports, underscore the level of commitment from law enforcement agencies in thwarting terror recruitment activities in the region.
A Deep Connection to Lashkar-e-Taiba
Initial investigations have revealed that the newly formed group is a part of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, one of the most dangerous and long-standing terrorist organizations operating in the region. The group’s close ties to Lashkar-e-Taiba suggest that it may have been set up to act as a proxy for carrying out attacks while avoiding the direct scrutiny that LeT faces from international security agencies.
The group’s handler, Baba Hamas, is reportedly a Pakistani national with a history of coordinating cross-border terrorist operations. His involvement highlights the ongoing support that terrorist organizations receive from across the border, a point that has been repeatedly raised by Indian authorities. The dismantling of this module is a direct blow to their recruitment efforts, cutting off a key pipeline that feeds into larger terror networks.
Increased Terrorist Activity in Jammu and Kashmir
This operation comes at a critical time when Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a resurgence in terrorist activities. Just a day before the raid, another terror group, The Resistance Front (TRF), claimed responsibility for an attack in Ganderbal district, in which a doctor and six migrant workers were killed. TRF is widely believed to be a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba, created to divert attention from LeT’s direct involvement in terror activities.
Authorities have identified Sheikh Sajjad Gul, a prominent TRF leader, as the mastermind behind the recent Ganderbal attack. Gul’s name has long been associated with targeted attacks on both Kashmiris and non-Kashmiris, with a pattern of violence aimed at creating instability in the region. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had earlier announced a reward of INR 10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Gul and three others involved in terrorist activities.
The Role of Pakistan-Based Handlers in J&K Terrorism
The arrest and identification of individuals linked to the dismantled module further underscore the involvement of Pakistan-based handlers in orchestrating terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir. The module, led by Baba Hamas, played a pivotal role in recruiting local youths for terrorist activities, providing them with training and logistical support.
For years, Pakistan-backed handlers have infiltrated the valley, recruiting vulnerable youth into their ranks by spreading propaganda, promising financial rewards, and exploiting local grievances. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, in coordination with other security agencies, has been making concerted efforts to combat these influences by targeting recruitment networks, intercepting communications, and dismantling sleeper cells.
Recent Counter-Terrorism Successes
The operation to dismantle this recruitment module is just the latest in a string of counter-terrorism successes in Jammu and Kashmir. In the past few months, joint operations between the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have led to the elimination of several high-profile terrorists and the arrest of key operatives. These actions have greatly weakened the operational capabilities of terrorist organizations in the region.
One such success was the October 30th joint operation, where two terrorists, identified as Abdul Aziz and Manwar Hussain, were captured. This joint effort is part of a broader strategy to restore peace and stability in the valley, targeting both the leadership and foot soldiers of terrorist networks. Despite facing sporadic attacks, security forces have maintained an upper hand, effectively neutralizing many threats before they could escalate.
