Is Pakistan's Propaganda Strategy Evolving in Kashmir?

New Delhi, Sep 20 (NationPress) On September 11, 2025, a press release stated, "we the Mountain Warriors of Kashmir (MWK), declare our involvement in the struggle. We pledge our lives to resist the occupation. This battle will continue until we attain Azadi."

The document bears the signature of one Ahmad Hannan, referring to the occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. Intelligence agencies indicate that this group has been recently established by Pakistan.

The choice of name aims to resonate more with the populace of Kashmir. Like previous groups, this one is also a proxy of the Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The emergence of this faction reveals that the ISI is once again engaging in psychological operations against India. This tactic is not novel; many similar groups have arisen recently with the primary goal of gauging public sentiment and fostering a locally-based terror outfit.

Operations of these terror factions would differ from those of Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba, or Hizbul Mujahideen.

The ISI is expected to concentrate more on propaganda via such groups. Rather than executing terror attacks, the strategy will aim to stir Kashmiri nationalism, akin to the tactics of Sikhs for Justice in the Khalistan movement.

Numerous new groups have been issuing statements, and one must examine closely how these groups are branded. Names like The Resistance Front (TRF), Kashmir Tigers (KT), People’s Anti Fascist Front (PAFF), and now the MWK are deliberately selected to connect with the Kashmiris. Their primary goal is to incite locals in Kashmir and transform the movement into a grassroots uprising.

This approach mirrors the Sikhs for Justice model. There is no intent to engage in violent acts like gunfights, killings, or bombings. The focus is on continuous propaganda and radicalizing youth. The objective is to mobilize the youth, reflecting similar movements seen in Bangladesh or Nepal.

Such uprisings can be challenging to contain, and Pakistan understands this. Engaging in armed conflict is unlikely to yield success, given that Indian forces are well-prepared, as explained by an official.

Furthermore, Pakistan will proceed cautiously following Operation Sindoor, as India has made it clear that any act of aggression will be viewed as war rather than mere cross-border terrorism.

In this evolving context, focusing on a perception battle or a propaganda campaign will be more advantageous for Pakistan.

In truth, all these so-called terror groups are proxies for either Jaish-e-Mohammad or Lashkar-e-Taiba. With both entities severely impacted by the Indian military, rebuilding their networks is proving challenging. Morale is low, and leadership is less accessible.

During this transitional phase before full reorganization occurs, these terror factions must continually reaffirm to their cadre and the people of Kashmir that their struggle persists.

Moreover, there are increasingly fewer operatives on the ground, and infiltration routes have become nearly impossible to breach.

Thus, a propaganda campaign seems best suited to incite the people of Kashmir and sustain the motivation of the cadre. If the ISI can radicalize the youth in Kashmir through propaganda and mobilize the populace, it would signify a victory without firing a single shot.