Security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir have been put on high alert following a fresh online threat issued by the United Liberation Council (ULC), which intelligence sources describe as an online proxy front of the banned terror organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The latest threat has specifically targeted more than 7,000 migrant Kashmiri Hindu employees working in the Valley under the Prime Minister’s Special Package. The development has raised concerns among security agencies because the threat communication contained sensitive personal information about individuals from the community.
Personal details released online
According to the report, the ULC released details including the full names, residential addresses and vehicle registration numbers of targeted Kashmiri Hindu employees.
The release of such information is being viewed as a form of doxxing, in which personal information is made public with the potential to intimidate or expose individuals to further threats.
Security agencies are examining the communication and its implications, particularly because the targeted employees include Kashmiri Pandits who returned to or were posted in the Valley through government rehabilitation and employment initiatives.
The threat also objected to administrative discussions around providing light weapons to migrant Kashmiri Hindu employees for their protection. The group claimed that such a step would turn members of the community into targets in counter-insurgency operations.
Attempt to create divisions within the community
The threat communication also sought to create a divide between Kashmiri Hindus who remained in the Valley and those who were forced to migrate and later returned under government employment programmes.
According to the report, the ULC described migrant Hindu employees working under government schemes as white-collar operatives serving an external political agenda.
Security officials and analysts believe such messaging is intended not only to threaten individuals but also to create fear and divisions within the wider community.
The targeting of employees who returned to the Valley under government rehabilitation initiatives could also have implications for efforts to encourage the return and resettlement of displaced Kashmiri Hindus.
Security agencies examine possible psychological warfare
Intelligence sources cited in the report believe the latest online threats are part of a broader psychological warfare campaign.
The United Liberation Council and The Resistance Front (TRF), another group described by Indian security agencies as a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy, have used publicised threats and online communications to draw attention to specific targets.
Reports allege that such digital hit-lists could serve a wider purpose by forcing agencies to divert personnel towards protecting individuals and locations named in the threats.
According to this assessment, security forces could be compelled to deploy more personnel for static protection duties while terror networks attempt to rebuild their ground-level infrastructure.
The allegations regarding the role of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) form part of the intelligence assessment cited in the report. The assessment suggests that the use of high-profile online threats could help create a diversion while handlers across the border work to revive terror networks.
Focus on infiltration and ground networks
The reported diversion strategy comes amid continued security concerns along the Line of Control (LoC).
According to intelligence inputs cited in media reports, nearly 1,000 terrorists are believed to be stationed at launchpads across the LoC and are waiting for opportunities to infiltrate through forested areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Security agencies are also monitoring alleged attempts by cross-border handlers to establish new networks of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) inside the Union Territory.
These networks, according to the intelligence assessment, could be used to obtain confidential administrative information and assist terror operatives in identifying potential targets.
Lone-actor attacks also a concern
The reported strategy involves using online propaganda, leaked personal information and targeted threats to create fear without necessarily relying on large organised attacks.
The latest targeting of Kashmiri Hindu employees has therefore become a major security concern because the alleged release of personal details could expose individuals to further intimidation or attacks.
Security agencies are continuing to assess the credibility of the threats and the wider network behind the online communications. The developments have also renewed attention on the security of Kashmiri Hindus working in the Valley and the challenges involved in protecting employees covered under government rehabilitation initiatives.
