Is ISI Aiming to Revive Hizb to Reshape Kashmir Terrorism?

New Delhi, Aug 12 (NationPress) Operation Sindoor has significantly weakened multiple terror groups based in Pakistan. Among those most affected are the Jaish-e-Muhammad, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Hizbul Mujahideen, and the Resistance Front.

The pressure is mounting on these terrorist organizations. Notably, the Resistance Front, which initially took responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, later retracted its claim.

The TRF was established as a proxy for the Lashkar-e-Toiba, intended to replace the Hizbul Mujahideen as the local face of terror in Jammu and Kashmir. This strategy aimed to create the illusion that terrorism is a domestic issue in J&K, while allowing Pakistan plausible deniability for any attacks carried out by this group.

With the TRF now under intense scrutiny, Pakistan is in search of a local terrorist faction in the Valley. Recent intelligence indicates that the ISI is making plans to significantly revive the Hizbul Mujahideen. This suggests a strategic push by the ISI to establish a stronger local presence in J&K.

After the demise of Burhan Wani and his associates, the Hizbul Mujahideen nearly disbanded. Its senior leadership is based in Pakistan, while most operatives have gone underground. The decline of separatism in the Valley has further contributed to the group's downfall, as the Hizbul Mujahideen and separatists previously collaborated closely, creating a formidable threat.

Lacking a local unit with operational control in Jammu and Kashmir complicates the ISI's ability to execute attacks. Infiltration has become increasingly challenging for terrorists, exacerbated by heightened vigilance from security agencies.

Currently, the ISI aims to establish a fully localized unit with homegrown terrorists, thereby reducing the risks associated with infiltration. The ISI and the Hizbul Mujahideen leadership are actively working to mobilize Over Ground Workers (OGWs) to recruit locals into the group.

However, reports suggest that the ISI is deliberately keeping this endeavor discreet, intending to gradually reinstate the organization without attracting excessive attention.

Syed Salahuddin, the leader of the group, is currently in Pakistan, actively raising funds and coordinating with members of the Muttahida Jihad Council, which comprises 13 Pakistan-based terrorist organizations focused on Kashmir.

The low-profile strategy is a tactical choice by the ISI, aiming for his message to resonate in Jammu and Kashmir for recruitment purposes, thus keeping him out of the public eye.

In light of the Pahalgam attack, India has revised its strategy. The government has declared that terrorist attacks emanating from Pakistan will no longer be categorized merely as cross-border terrorism but as acts of war.

By fostering a wholly localized group, Pakistan hopes to mitigate potential backlash from India. Any operation carried out by the Hizbul Mujahideen would be perceived as an internal matter.

This would necessitate that Indian investigators exert extra effort to trace direct links to Pakistan regarding any attacks.

Indian agencies are closely monitoring these developments, keeping a vigilant eye on OGWs and potential terror cells.

Meanwhile, the ISI is steadily working to bolster the Hizbul Mujahideen's influence in the Valley.