In a recent development, Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) proudly announced a significant breakthrough on Thursday. They revealed the apprehension of an individual in central Kashmir’s Budgam district who was allegedly on the verge of joining militant ranks.
According to an official statement released by CIK, credible information surfaced on April 29 from reliable sources suggesting that the militant faction Ansar Gazwat-Ul-Hind (AuGH) was making efforts to re-establish its presence and rejuvenate its members in Kashmir.
The statement further outlined that, as part of this endeavor, a militant handler named Hamzah, also known as Gazi, based in Pakistan, had been purportedly indoctrinating Kashmiri youth to enlist in militant groups.
“It has come to light that AuGH has successfully indoctrinated and nurtured a select group of committed hybrid Over Ground Workers (OGWs) in Kashmir. These OGWs, in collusion, are orchestrating plans for a militant recruitment campaign in the Valley,” the statement elaborated.
CIK provided insight into the technical development of the information, leading to the identification and subsequent detention of an individual named Waseem Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Beerwah, for questioning.
“Preliminary investigations indicate his frequent communication with handlers through virtual platforms and his imminent integration into the militant faction by forming a new cadre,” the statement revealed.
The agency emphasized that Sheikh had been entrusted with the task of recruiting local youths willing to join the militant cause alongside AuGH. “Additionally, it has been disclosed that the Pakistan-based militant commander had pledged to provide arms and ammunition to him and his associates in the near future.”
Moreover, ongoing investigations have unearthed Sheikh’s involvement in several WhatsApp and Telegram groups affiliated with militant organizations. “Efforts are underway to identify other participants of these groups for necessary legal action,” CIK affirmed.
Notably, Counter Intelligence Kashmir operates as a specialized agency tasked with intelligence gathering and anti-insurgency operations in the Kashmir region.
