ISI Allegedly Pursuing Long-Term Strategy to Revive Separatism in Kashmir, Intelligence Sources Claim

Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is allegedly working on a gradual strategy to revive separatist sentiment in Jammu and Kashmir by targeting former separatists, individuals previously linked to militant networks and young people active on social media, according to intelligence officials cited in a recent assessment.

The reported strategy marks a shift from overt agitation and violence towards attempts to influence mainstream political, social and institutional networks.

According to intelligence sources, the ISI's Kashmir Desk has intensified its activities, focusing on ways to bring separatist narratives back into public discourse. Officials said the agency recognises that carrying out terrorist attacks has become increasingly difficult under the prevailing security arrangements, while infiltration attempts have also remained limited.

An Intelligence Bureau official said current assessments did not indicate an immediate plan for terrorist attacks in the Valley. Instead, the focus was reportedly on rebuilding networks and gradually expanding the influence of separatist ideology.

Former separatists and overground workers reportedly targeted

According to the officials, the ISI is approaching individuals who were previously associated with the Hurriyat Conference and encouraging them to enter mainstream politics.

Former overground workers (OWGs) and separatists who have not been involved in unlawful activities for several years are also reportedly being considered as potential recruits.

An official claimed that the absence of recent criminal cases against some of these individuals could make them less visible to security agencies, creating opportunities for attempts to bring them into the alleged network.

The reported strategy involves encouraging such individuals to join political parties, government services and other legitimate organisations, including schools and colleges.

Social media recruitment under scrutiny

Intelligence officials also alleged that the ISI was monitoring young people on social media, identifying posts that express dissatisfaction with the state or government policies.

According to one official, recruiters were attempting to identify individuals who could potentially be drawn into separatist activities by engaging with their online expressions of discontent.

The alleged effort is part of a broader strategy to establish connections within social and political circles without attracting immediate attention from security agencies.

A shift from overt separatism to gradual influence

Officials cited in the assessment said the current approach differs from the form of separatist mobilisation witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir before the abrogation of Article 370.

Earlier separatist leaders, including Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Asiya Andrabi and Yasin Malik, openly advocated separatist positions, organised protests and were associated with campaigns that included stone-pelting demonstrations and support for militant groups.

The reported ISI strategy, by contrast, is said to favour discreet conversations and gradual ideological influence rather than public demonstrations or direct calls for violence.

Officials believe the objective is to make separatist narratives part of everyday discussions within political, educational and social institutions, including informal conversations among small groups that are less likely to attract public attention.

Intelligence agencies warn of a long-term approach

According to the officials, the ISI is prepared to pursue this strategy over three to four years rather than seek immediate results through high-profile incidents.

The assessment suggests that the agency's alleged objective is to rebuild influence within established institutions and social networks while avoiding activities that could quickly trigger law-enforcement action.

Security officials reportedly view this approach as a long-term challenge because it seeks to influence the broader political and social environment rather than rely exclusively on visible protests or terrorist attacks.

The claims about the alleged strategy are based on intelligence assessments and statements attributed to security officials; they have not been independently established in the supplied report.