SRINAGAR: Counter Intelligence Kashmir on Tuesday arrested Waseem Ahmed Shaikh of Beerwah village, Budgam District. Shaikh, a radicalized individual, was on the verge of joining terrorist ranks under the influence of Pakistani-based handlers.
The arrest was part of the ongoing investigation in a case that uncovered plans by the terrorist outfit Ansar Gazwat-Ul-Hind (AuGH) to re-establish its presence and recruit in Kashmir. Pakistani terror handler Hamzah, known as Gazi, was identified as the key figure behind the radicalization efforts, targeting Kashmiri youth for recruitment.
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A senior police officer of CIK told The New Indian that Shaikh, in communication with multiple Pakistani-based terrorist handlers under various aliases, was tasked with forming a new terrorist group and recruiting local youth. The investigation revealed his involvement in several WhatsApp/Telegram groups associated with terrorist organizations.
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The officer added, “CIK’s intervention dismantled a terrorist recruitment module, preventing several youths from joining terrorism. The investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the radicalized group and associated online networks.”