Who are 'bedroom jihadis', new enemy confronting security forces in Jammu and Kashmir?

The term "bedroom jihadis" was coined to describe people who operate in a virtual battleground. (AP Illustration)

Having battled armed terrorists for decades, security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir are now faced with a new and sophisticated cross-border threat aimed at destabilising the region, officials in the know told news agency PTI.

Far removed from traditional warfare and armed conflict, this new breed operates from the safe confines of their homes with the sole aim to spread misinformation and incite communal discord.

Who are 'bedroom jihadis'?

As per officials, the term "bedroom jihadis" was coined to describe people who operate in a virtual battleground where a "bloody war is fought, but with words".

An intricate network of social media handles, believed to be controlled by terror groups and their sympathisers in Pakistan, have been found to be actively intruding into local digital spaces, disseminating inflammatory content and propaganda with the clear objective of creating sectarian clashes and unrest in the Kashmir valley.

"After years of fighting armed terrorists, security agencies have been facing this hidden enemy in which these new-age jihadis use computers and smartphones to wage war from just about anywhere, spreading rumours and influencing youths," an official in the know of the developments said.

As per officials, a similar trend emerged in 2017 but ended after an effective crackdown with Internet curbs post abrogation of Article 370 and with it, the special status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.

However, officials note that "bedroom jihadis" resurfaced after the successful completion of the Assembly elections last year, possibly with an aim to destablise the elected government and create a sense of unrest.

Direct link to Pakistan-based handlers

The investigation by security agencies has uncovered a sophisticated and concerted effort by terror groups and their sympathisers operating from across the border to use social media platforms to incite sectarian clashes and destabilise the region.

The investigation, now underway for several weeks, and involving the scrutiny of thousands of social media posts, comments and private messages, provided compelling evidence of a direct link between these malicious online activities and handlers located in Pakistan, the officials added.

One particular example cited for the modus operandi being adopted by these "bedroom jihadis" is during the Muharram days observed by the Shia community recently. A social media post led to tension between the two sects of the Muslim community but was effectively handled by the Srinagar police before it could spread.

Another example from the recent past revealing the virtual nature of this conflict was a case where the personal details of Kashmiri Pandit migrants appointed under the Prime Minister's rehabilitation scheme being leaked on various social media platforms.

The malicious act, intended to create fear within the minority community, was swiftly countered by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and their investigation led to the arrest of a local youth who had been directed from across the border to carry out the act.

Influence beyond Jammu and Kashmir

"While traditional terror activities remain a concern, the digital battlefield is increasingly becoming a front where external forces seek to destabilise the region by exploiting local tensions, which should be nipped in the bud," former Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Kuldeep Khoda told PTI, adding that the successful identification and disruption of this cross-border social media plot highlight the evolving nature of threats to security in Jammu and Kashmir.

The threat, however, is not limited to the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir with its influence now spreading to the national capital and other parts of India and abroad. The officials said that this has a significant impact on young minds and the ease with which a rumour can spread poses a significant challenge.

"Anyone, while sitting on his bed or sofa, can plant a fake news in one of the thousand chat groups and the entire Union Territory can plunge into communal divide," they said.

Many X (formerly Twitter) users have created fake accounts to spread fake narratives being peddled from across the border. "It is like finding a needle in a haystack, but nevertheless effective policing has led to blocking or nabbing such elements," another official said.

The law enforcement authorities have made preventive detentions of several people suspected of being directly involved in the online campaign or acting as local conduits for cross-border handlers.

(With PTI inputs)