New Delhi, March 7: Investigations into the Faridabad module of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) have revealed alarming tactics employed by the terrorist organization to infiltrate a medical institution and recruit doctors for attacks in India.
The probe has uncovered that this “white-collar module” had amassed approximately 2,500 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, planning several attacks in Delhi and surrounding areas. Intelligence agencies have now identified another conspiracy where JeM aims to penetrate schools and colleges to radicalize students. The organization is reportedly attempting to recruit certain students through propaganda materials, encouraging them to spread its ideology among their peers.
An official stated that this strategy of involving students is part of a long-term plan. Similar tactics have previously been employed by Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan, and efforts are now being made to implement them in India.
According to officials, radicalizing students at a young age benefits these organizations in the long run. By the time these students reach their twenties, they may become so indoctrinated that they are prepared to carry out attacks across the country.
In a related development, the Maharashtra Anti-terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested a student from Mumbai this week. The suspect, identified as Ayaan Sheikh, had been residing in Mumbai for the past six months. Investigations revealed that he was in contact with several youths, attempting to radicalize them and recruit them into JeM. He had successfully radicalized two students and had even persuaded them to go abroad for terrorist training. However, the ATS managed to thwart this plot in time.
An official from the Intelligence Bureau noted that similar efforts are being made across several states in the country. JeM believes that students can evade the attention of security agencies more easily, which is why they aim to gradually build a “force” of radicalized youths.
Officials indicated that the organization is not rushing to recruit large numbers but is instead focusing on a gradual approach over the next 5 to 10 years to ensure they have sufficient personnel available for attacks as needed.
Another official mentioned that rather than creating large modules, the emphasis is on ‘lone wolf’ tactics or small teams of two individuals. The Faridabad case has taught the organization that involving too many people in a large module increases the risk of communication being intercepted and the module being exposed.
Thus, students in these modules will be prepared to operate either alone or in ‘buddy pairs.’ In many instances, attackers may choose their targets independently or receive instructions from a handler.
Officials have warned that if the organization succeeds in establishing such a network among students in the coming years, it could pose a severe threat to National Security. The commitment of youths radicalized over an extended period becomes significantly stronger, making them difficult to counter.