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New Delhi: Indian intelligence agencies have issued a major alert regarding terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the agencies, Al-Badr-an outfit that had significantly weakened over a long period-is now attempting to become active in the Valley once again; to achieve this, it is collaborating with Hizbul Mujahideen on a joint strategy for a resurgence.
Underestimating This Organization Would Be a Grave Error
According to sources, the recent death of Al-Badr's top commander, Hamza Burhan, in Pakistan came as a major blow to the organization. Despite this setback, Indian agencies believe that underestimating this organization would be a grave error. Recent intelligence intercepts indicate that Al-Badr and Hizbul Mujahideen are actively engaged in efforts to rebuild their networks in Jammu and Kashmir.
What Did the Agency Reveal Regarding the ISI?
Intelligence officials state that the convergence of these two organizations is strategically advantageous for Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI, as both can be projected as indigenous terrorist outfits. A significant number of individuals within these organizations are those who traveled to Pakistan years ago under the pretext of pursuing their studies, only to be trained there and groomed for terrorist activities in the Valley.
What Did Officials Say Regarding the Status of These Organizations?
An official explained that Al-Badr is currently not in a position to operate independently, as it possesses neither a sufficient cadre nor the operational foothold it once held. However, by joining forces with Hizbul Mujahideen, it stands a chance to regain a foothold in the Valley. Both organizations are now actively attempting to recruit disgruntled terrorists from Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba into their ranks.
Jaish and Lashkar Suffered Heavy Losses During 'Operation Sindoor'
According to intelligence agencies, Jaish and Lashkar suffered heavy casualties and operational setbacks following 'Operation Sindoor'; Hizbul and Al-Badr are now seeking to capitalize on this situation to bolster their own cadres. While this could potentially heighten the risk of a turf war among terrorist organizations, the ISI's paramount priority at present remains the reactivation of terrorist activities within the Valley.
Intelligence sources revealed that Hamza Burhan was spearheading the recruitment of youth and propaganda campaigns in the Valley. He was executing a strategy aimed at radicalizing young people-primarily through a "poster war"-and enlisting them into these organizations. The plan involved utilizing posters to highlight issues such as the abrogation of Article 370 and alleged injustices against the youth.
The recent presence of leaders and cadres from both Al-Badr and Hizbul Mujahideen at Hamza Burhan's funeral also underscored the close nexus between the two organizations.
According to sources, Al-Badr chief Zamin Bakht and Hizbul chief Syed Salahuddin were also present at the event. Intelligence agencies believe that this concerted effort to revive terrorism—leveraging local networks and indigenous faces-could pose a formidable challenge to security agencies.
