“These platforms are used to spread propaganda, criticize political events, incite division, and influence public perception, thereby maintaining a heightened state of alarm and confusion in the region”
K Koushal
Despite a decline in terrorism activities in Kashmir post abrogation of Article 370, a swift increase has been reported in the use of digital platforms by Pakistan-based terrorist organizations in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) for psychological operations (Psy Ops).
As per the primarily research conducted by The Typewriter in collaboration with cyber experts and cyber investigators, there has been a resurgence of terrorist groups operating under new names, such as the Resistance Front (TRF) and Kashmir Tigers, which are linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), respectively and are rampantly ‘radicalizing’ youth through digital platforms.
The digital platforms utilized by Pakistan-based terrorist organizations for psychological operations (Psy Ops) in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) are Telegram, TamTam, Mastodon, Chirpwire, Enigma, BiP Messenger, Matrix, WhatsApp Channel, X/Twitter, and Discord. However, Telegram remains their primary platform for engagement, with other platforms like Chirpwire being employed for secure communication and coordination due to its encrypted nature. These platforms are used to spread propaganda, criticize political events, incite division, and influence public perception, thereby maintaining a heightened state of alarm and confusion in the region.
There is a sophisticated use of digital platforms, with a focus on communal angles that threaten India’s internal security. Terrorist organizations are employing Telegram, TamTam, Mastodon, Chirpwire, and other encrypted platforms to release propaganda content, coordinate actions, and communicate securely. Chirpwire, in particular, is favored by extremist groups like al-Qaeda and pro-ISIS factions.
Meanwhile, an expert of the field, wishing anonymity said that this is a concerning development, wherein the local authorities are apparently facing challenges in maintaining order and security due to the heightened state of alarm and confusion created by terrorist groups.
“The groups are also attempting to revive terrorism in the Jammu region through digital propaganda. The sophisticated use of digital platforms for high-quality Psy Ops and propaganda is a growing concern, posing a major threat to the stability and security of Jammu and Kashmir,’ he said and added that the Pakistan-based terrorist organizations understand that digital platforms are convenient tools to reach audiences across borders and influence individuals, exacerbating the internal threat to India.
He stated that the Telegram and other encrypted social media platforms play a crucial role in the dissemination of terrorist propaganda and coordination of activities. These platforms provide a secure and relatively anonymous environment for terrorist organizations to communicate, plan, and execute their operations.
When asked about how to tackle such a situation, he said that to mitigate the threat posed by terrorist groups’ use of digital platforms for psychological operations (Psy Ops) and propaganda, a multifaceted approach is necessary, involving collaboration between governments, technology companies, and international organizations.
“Governments and law enforcement agencies should increase their monitoring of digital platforms to identify and track terrorist activities. This includes the use of advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to detect suspicious behavior and content,” said the expert, adding that in addition to this the Governments should work closely with social media and technology companies to develop tools and strategies for identifying and removing terrorist content.
