Srinagar, Oct 27: J&K Police’s Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) unit today said it had foiled an online radicalization and terrorist recruitment attempt, and rescued two Kashmiri teenagers from being indoctrinated by a Pakistan-based handler linked to The Resistance Front (TRF).
Police said that acting on precise intelligence inputs and sustained cyber surveillance, CIK identified two radical social media handles ‘faithful_warrior57’ and ‘Gurkboru.08’ engaged in glorifying terrorism and circulating extremist narratives.
“These accounts were actively sharing propaganda material, including audio clips and digital content of known terrorists, designed to sow discord, promote secessionist sentiment, and attract vulnerable youth toward violent extremism,” police said. Following detailed technical analysis, the operators of these accounts were identified.
“Both individuals were traced, apprehended for questioning and found to be juveniles. Digital forensic examination of one of the mobile device established him as the user of ‘Gurkboru.08’, and evidence revealed he was disseminating terror content under the direct guidance of an online handler. Investigations further disclosed that he had been using encrypted communication tools and VPNs to sustain covert interaction with cross-border handlers,” Police said.
Subsequent inquiry traced the online handler operating under the alias ‘Saqib’ real name Ahmad Salar, a Pakistan-based propagandist linked to The Resistance Front (TRF). “Saqib was orchestrating a sophisticated online indoctrination effort, exploiting social media to manipulate vulnerable youth through ideological grooming, false promises and glorification of militant activities,” Police said.
The second juvenile, operating the handle ‘faithful_warrior57’, was similarly influenced by the same handler. “Digital traces revealed instructions, emotional manipulation, and ideological conditioning intended to draw both minors deeper into extremist networks,” Police said.
Through meticulous coordination, superior cyber analytics, and swift operational execution, CIK successfully disrupted the network, effectively preventing the recruitment of two juveniles and thwarting an emerging radicalization threat that could have endangered community safety, police said.
CIK held joint counseling sessions involving the families of juveniles, community elders, and local religious scholars. “These sessions aimed to help the youth and their guardians understand the grave repercussions of radicalization and the importance of responsible digital engagement,” Police said, adding the initiative underscored CIK’s compassionate approach combining operational excellence with social responsibility and strengthened community cooperation against extremist exploitation.
