Bharti Jain   

Though the ‘fresh’ Kashmiri recruits whose photos were released by Hizbul Mujahideen via social media had joined over past several months, the outfit decided to put out a compiled list on Burhan Wani’s death anniversary to create an impression that a large number of Kashmiris were turning to militancy.

“Hizbul has released the information to entice people to join its ranks. Most recruits whose identity was disclosed by the outfit were already known to J&K police. In fact, one of the constables from Budgam in the list was known to have enrolled in Hizbul 4-5 months back. Hizb is using social media to show that everybody in Kashmir is alienated and joining militancy,” J&K police chief Shesh Paul Vaid told TOI on Monday.

According to assessment by central agencies, Hizbul Mujahideen is aiming to glamourise militancy by posting pictures of gunwielding Kashmiri recruits, many of them with good educational and family background, on social media. “Social media is used to motivate and recruit youth who are projected as ‘trophies’ on social media, bringing them to the notice of the police. Most recruits, who are given little training and no weapons, are pushed to death as police go after them,” an officer said.

Bharti.Jain@timesgroup.com

Courtesy: Times Group: 10072018