Concern over radicalisation of educated J&K youth

The Omar Abdullah government in Jammu and Kashmir is perturbed over the sustained radicalisation of educated youth — unemployed as well as employed.

“Reports are pouring in regarding hectic induction of youth for terrorist activities. Matter of recruitment raises further concern, upon induction of even educated youths. Reports further suggest about growing radicalisation, especially in semi-urban and rural areas, a feature hitherto unknown in society,” Inspector General of Police (Tech/CIV) at the J&K Police Headquarters wrote to Kashmir’s Inspector-General of Police vide No: CIV/Int-15/2014/2318 dated 14-07-2014.

“All the above suggest a well-knit mechanism of separatists, OGWs [overground workers], fundamentalist elements at work (sic.). Extensive use of social media is also indicated,” pointed out the ‘Restricted’ communication accessed by

The Hindu . The Police Headquarters sought formulation of “short term and long term measures” so as to arrest the rot in its beginning.

A comprehensive strategy, according to sources, is being worked out in coordination with different State and Central security agencies.

The officials, according to sources, were particularly perturbed over the militants and separatist activists continuing with uninterrupted communications through VOIP [Voice Over Internet Protocol], Skype and WhatsApp.

“It has been noted with concern that most of the seditious Facebook pages that the J&K Police had got blocked earlier this year have been reactivated. A Pulwama-based group has restored a page blocked twice by the police,” said an official.