New Delhi, November 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is allegedly pursuing a gradual strategy to revive separatist sentiment in Jammu and Kashmir by reaching out to former separatists, former overground workers and young people, while seeking to establish links through mainstream political and social networks, according to intelligence assessments cited by officials.
The alleged approach marks a shift from the overt separatist mobilisation and street violence witnessed in the Valley before the abrogation of Article 370, officials said. They claimed that the ISI’s Kashmir Desk was focusing on building influence over an extended period rather than planning immediate terror attacks.
An Intelligence Bureau official said recent assessments did not indicate plans for an immediate attack in the Valley, citing the difficulty of carrying out such operations under the prevailing security arrangements and a prolonged lull in infiltration attempts.
Instead, the alleged strategy involves approaching individuals previously associated with the Hurriyat Conference and encouraging them to enter mainstream politics. Former overground workers whose networks were exposed during security operations are also said to be among those being targeted.
Another official claimed that individuals who had stayed away from unlawful activities for five to six years could be considered easier targets for recruitment because they were no longer under the same level of scrutiny by security agencies.
Officials also alleged that the ISI was monitoring social media accounts to identify young people expressing discontent with the state. Such individuals were reportedly being approached to join the alleged campaign.
The strategy, according to the officials, extends beyond political parties to government services, schools, colleges and other legitimate organisations. Teachers and people working in educational institutions are also said to be among the groups being considered.
An official said the alleged plan could take three to four years to produce results, with the objective of gradually bringing separatist narratives into everyday conversations rather than organising public demonstrations or violent protests that would attract immediate attention.
The officials contrasted this approach with the earlier phase of separatist activity, when leaders openly advocated Pakistan’s position, organised protests and encouraged stone-pelting and militant activity.
They said the alleged current approach seeks to use private conversations and established social networks to spread separatist sentiment without necessarily creating visible public mobilisation.
The claims reflect the intelligence agencies’ assessment of a possible long-term strategy. The allegations against the ISI and the individuals it is purportedly approaching were not independently established in the information provided.
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