Venom-spitting social media pages and several other platforms accessed through mobile phone applications have virtually kept terror factories running across the line of Control (loC) in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) and helped churn out new age ‘jehadis’ who keep the terror pot boiling in the State of Jammu & Kashmir.’ Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Saturday joined the chorus acknowledging this challenging situation as a worldwide phenomenon. Earlier, State police chief SP Vaid too had acknowledged the fact that radicalisation has taken root in Kashmir and identified ‘cyber jehad’ as a major challenge for the State police force.
Thanks to difficulty in monitoring every inch of cyber space by the various Central and State Government agencies, it is becoming easy to lure vulnerable youth and ‘indoctrinate’ them through ‘malicious’ propaganda material easily made available on social media platforms.
Interacting with media persons after presenting the President's Standard to 47 Armoured Regiment at Sunjwan Military station, Gen Rawat said, “Radicalisation is a worldwide phenomenon. We are addressing it with lot of seriousness.” He said the J&K Government, State police and the administration, everybody else were concerned about it. “We are trying to ensure that people are weaned away from this kind of radicalisation which is happening mainly because of the social media.”
According to official sources, a large number of Twitter and Facebook accounts and groups have been blocked, or were in the process of being blocked. About 6,386 telephone users were identified, which were being used for fanning extremism and unrest in Kashmir valley.
According to official sources nearly 125 twitter handlers/tweets, 79 WhatsApp Groups and accounts and 6,386 mobile telephones have been blocked, which were spreading highly inflammatory information pertaining to happenings in Kashmir, including anti-terror operations and drive against terror funding and hawala operations.
Speaking on the current situation in the Valley, the Army chief said, "Security situation in Kashmir is improving. The frustration of terrorists and those who are supporting them is being highlighted by what is happening in the Valley."
When asked to comment on the ongoing activities of the terror training camps across POK, Gen Rawat said, "I do not know as to who told you that training camps across the border have been closed. Training camps existed there earlier also and they are operational at present too."
Gen Rawat further stressed the need for a surgical strike as a way to deal with the training camps. There are other ways also and action is being taken in the matter, he added. On the possibility of a Doklam-like situation along the line of Actual Control (lAC), Rawat said, "We have to remain alert."
Commenting on increasing incidents of braid chopping in the Valley, Rawat said, "Why do you see it as a challengeIJ Such incidents have earlier taken place elsewhere in the country as well." In Kashmir, the civil administration and police are dealing with it and they will foil these incidents, he added.
Earlier, Gen Rawat presented the 'President's Standard' to 47 Armoured Regiment. To commemorate this historic event, the Chief of the Army Staff also released a "Special First Day Cover".
This honour was bestowed on the Regiment in recognition of its unflinching meritorious service since its raising on November 15, 1982. The Regiment has participated in a number of operations undertaken by the India Army, and also contributed personnel for Rashtriya Rifles. The hard work and sacrifices made by the valiant soldiers of this Regiment have been recognised by numerous gallantry and distinguished service awards.
The Standard Presentation ceremony showcased a mounted parade by the Regiment on the T-72 Tanks with clockwork precision and immaculate coordination. lieutenant General DR Soni, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ARTRAC, lieutenant General Surinder Singh General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command and lieutenant General D Anbu, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command were present on the occasion.