Terrorism is a tactic of demanding the impossible and demanding it at gunpoint: Christopher Hitchens.
And what if when the tactics changed to Sleeper Cell Terrorism, it conceives with a new idea of executing terror activities blending in with the local population? Narco-terrorism is a well-established terror infiltration that facilitates multi-faceted funding of terrorist activities, globally.
Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a shift from traditional militant groups to new more radicalized entities, embracing global Jihadi ideologies. The landscape of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is a complex web. Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has metamorphosed significantly. It has evolved from a separatist insurgency to a more complicated and multifaceted threat. The region has witnessed a shift from traditional militant groups to new more radicalized entities, the rise of narco-terrorism, increased use of social media, and the adoption of guerrilla tactics. The evolving strategies of terrorists considers various factors before final adoption. These factors may include:
Symbolic Value, Vulnerability, Maximum Damage, media coverage, political impact, operational security, resource availability, risk assessment, alternative targets, timing and opportunity, security measures, intelligence gathering, and ideological significance. These factors indicate their intentions and target preferences and their need to change TTPs and adaptability and innovation to stay relevant in their mission of terror and violence. One major source that can be seen evolving and expanding is financing.
A look at the trends of the shifting Sands of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is imperative to reduce our kills and casualties.
1947-1989 were the early years of terrorism when Pakistan was found supporting militant groups to annex the region.
1989-1999 were the years of radicalization. The Soviet-Afghan War led to the influx of radicalized militants who fuelled separatist sentiment and violence in Jammu and Kashmir.
1999- 2003 was an era of militancy when Pakistan-backed militant groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba(Let) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (Jem) escalated violence, targeting civilians and security forces.
2004- To present was an upsurge of Narco terrorism where the exploitation of trade was seen through narcotics to fund their activities.
Recent developments of Burhan Wani case and subsequent crackdown led to a new wave of radicalization with militant groups adopting social media and guerrilla tactics.
Terrorist organizations in drug trafficking to finance their activities is one of the lucrative ways of attracting youth to join the groups of terror.
The Narcotics Epidemic is a growing concern in the valley. Narcotics create physical dependence and even psychological dependence. Before we see the shift in the landscape of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, let’s see the consumption rate of drugs in the valley. In the last three years, there has been an increase of 1500% in the use of drugs. So when most analysts say there was a decline in terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, if we critically examine with the strategic mindset, they were preparing for the worst comeback with greater collateral damage and a deadlier plan. The terrorists also diversified their sources of financing and expanded their business by compromising many stakeholders by luring them with their part of the economic variable. It fetches enormous money for every participant and makes the deal lucrative.
Porous borders, thick dense terrain, and Narco Terror come with multiple layers and a well-thought double-edged sword for various state actors, terror groups, and ISI. It is capitalizing on terror activities, making terror groups money spinner, expanding this lethal web among locals, and youth, and on top of it mounting troubles for security forces. This lethal nexus is changing the entire landscape from radicalization to narco-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. As per the local sources, 50% of the state has been compromised. Where girls are finding their employment as drug dealers, the majority of boys are the consumers in this lethal business. However, one source revealed that a girl also manufactures drugs locally with available resources. Mostly heroin and brown sugar are found to be consumed by the people in the valley. According to local sources, the pattern of terror attacks has revealed the involvement of individuals with three characteristics:
- Non Voters
- Drug abusers
- Youth
Collective Responsibility of Kashmiri Society
Kashmiri society needs to play a crucial role in combating narco-terrorism and acknowledge the machination of Pakistan to destabilize the social fabric of the people and culture of Jammu and Kashmir. According to sources various dimensions of local support have shot up in providing logistics, and mobile devices to the terrorists. The fight against drug trafficking in Valley requires a multi-faceted approach and locals who notice any suspicious activity should be encouraged to whistle-blowing. To create a safer Jammu and Kashmir local support is imperative. It is difficult to cite the data and statistical number of local support in Jammu and Kashmir, because of their fear of retaliation and even social stigmas, whistle-blowers may face social ostracism or labelling as “informers”.
The issue’s sensitivity calls for serious changes in the strategic approach. National Investigation Agency has busted many narco-terror nexus rackets. Between December 2020 and February 2023, NIA has charge sheeted 15 accused. Yet many cases go unreported or published because of undisclosed stakeholders.
We have not won the battle against Drug Trafficking.: Shiela Jackson
The way forward to counter illicit funding and limit narco-terrorism involves technology and encrypting the network, enabling users to play around with the money with their anonymous identity. The dark web is global and is intertwined with terror activities. Patterns emerged in Israel- Hamas attack and the involvement of cyber agencies to enable the transfer of funding, propaganda, and cyber-attacks.
Abrogation of Article 370 and Demonetisation suppressed the illegal flow of money and put some governance and regulations to seize the assets of terror outfits in Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces even busted the modus operandi of separatists and terror groups as they would indulge in the peddling of properties in J&K and use that money in circulating it within the gambit of terror funding.
An improvised strategical outlook should be framed to disrupt various Hawala accounts operating to fund terror activities. Hawala can be domestic or transnational. In June 2024, an operation was launched to catch and bust transborder illegal arms and narco-terrorism by Punjab Police. Ranjit Singh alias Kaka was the kingpin of this kingdom of crimes. 4.10 kgs of heroin, two pistols, one was made in Pakistan, 45 live cartridges, and Rs 2.07 Lakh cash were recovered in this racket.
Pakistan Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, a former banker, and financier currently residing in West London, UK, said $2 billion to $5 billion moved through the “Hawala system annually in Pakistan”, more than the number of foreign transfers through the country’s banking system.
In India, no estimate of Hawala business is available due to a lack of adequate attention from the enforcement agencies before its use for financing terrorism. According to an estimate of Hawala operators, approximately Rs 30 crores move to Punjab daily through Hawala. Money moves to India from all over the world but, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata are major centers of this activity.
Hawala transactions are complex. It’s also important to understand that Hawaladars provide a vital service in some regions, particularly in Muslim communities, where the charging of interest on financial transactions is prohibited according to Islamic law. Effective strategies and leveraging technology in the form of Decision Intelligence by using data analytics, and AI to detect and reveal hawala transactions. Improved Financial inclusion and strengthened regulatory frameworks also enable the reduction of money laundering further reducing the risk of financing terror.
The landscape of terror outfits in Jammu and Kashmir ranging from separatism to global jihad to Narco terrorism is deeply interlaced. With multiple layers and changing trends and concepts of creating ideologies, we must employ thought Leadership in the segments of security and direction and ideas to frighten terrorists. Narco-terrorism, drug-fueled violence is an intersection of narcotics trafficking, terrorism, and money laundering. After understanding the intersection we must focus on attacking to dismantle the narco-terrorism.
