Over 100 Pakistani terrorists active in Jammu and Kashmir
What's the story
Jammu and Kashmir is currently home to around 131 terrorists, with a majority being Pakistani nationals. According to India Today, which cited sources, 122 of these are from Pakistan, while nine are locally groomed. This year alone, security forces have managed to eliminate 45 terrorists in the region. The data signals a shift in recruitment patterns, signaling the disillusionment of Kashmiri youth, and reveals how terrorist organizations now prefer educated professionals for their operations.
Recruitment change
Terrorist organizations shift recruitment strategy
The shift in recruitment strategy is evident from the fact that only nine of the active terrorists are locally groomed. Intelligence sources were quoted as disclosing that terrorist organizations are now trying to radicalize educated professionals and use some as suicide bombers. These professionals, dubbed "white-collar terrorists," work in secrecy to facilitate logistics, recruitment, or terror-funding for these organizations.
Attack involvement
White-collar terrorists involved in recent attacks
This involvement of "white-collar terrorists" was evident in the recent Delhi Red Fort bomb blast case. The attack on November 10 killed 15 people and injured many others. Security forces have made dismantling this white-collar ecosystem their top priority as part of their counter-terror efforts. In 2024, a total of 61 terrorists were neutralized, including 45 from the hinterland and 16 near the Line of Control (LoC).
Intensified crackdown
Crackdown on terror operators intensifies post-attack
The crackdown on terror operators in Jammu and Kashmir has intensified after the Delhi blast. Investigations have revealed that terrorists trained in J&K were part of the "white-collar" terror module involved in the attack. Security forces are now focusing their efforts on dismantling this new recruitment pattern to curb terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.