Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) reported a significant breakthrough on Thursday, announcing the arrest of an individual attempting to join terrorist ranks in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
According to CIK’s statement, received on April 29, credible intelligence indicated that the terrorist group Ansar Gazwat-Ul-Hind (AuGH) was endeavoring to re-establish its presence and bolster its membership in the Kashmir region.
The statement outlined that a Pakistan-based terror operative, identified as Hamzah alias Gazi, had been identified as a key figure in the recruitment efforts, actively indoctrinating Kashmiri youth to join their ranks.
Further elaborating on the scheme, CIK revealed that AuGH had successfully manipulated and enlisted a number of committed hybrid Over Ground Workers (OGWs) within Kashmir. These individuals, in collaboration, were orchestrating a recruitment drive to swell the terrorist organization’s numbers in the Valley.
Acting on this intelligence, CIK proceeded to apprehend Waseem Ahmad Sheikh of Beerwah for interrogation, suspecting his involvement in the terrorist plot. Preliminary investigations uncovered Sheikh’s extensive communication with handlers via virtual channels, with plans imminent for his integration into the terrorist outfit by forming a new cadre.
Moreover, Sheikh had been tasked with identifying and recruiting a cohort of youths eager to join the ranks of terrorism alongside AuGH. The investigation further disclosed assurances from the Pakistan-based terrorist commander, promising the supply of arms and ammunition to Sheikh’s nascent group in the near future.
The inquiry revealed Sheikh’s active participation in various WhatsApp and Telegram groups affiliated with terrorist entities. CIK affirmed ongoing efforts to identify additional members of these groups to initiate legal proceedings against them.
As CIK continues to delve deeper into the matter, this latest development underscores the persistent threat of terrorism in the region and the concerted efforts of security forces to thwart such nefarious designs, safeguarding the peace and stability of Kashmir.