Jammu & Kashmir’s Digital Shield: How J&k Police and Youth Are Defeating Propaganda
Byline: ANN NEWS DESK
Srinagar, October 2023— In the picturesque valleys of Jammu and Kashmir, a quiet yet transformative revolution is underway—not with bullets, but with digital innovation and determination.
As Pakistan-backed entities ramp up efforts to destabilize the region through disinformation campaigns, the J&K Police, armed with cutting-edge technology and grassroots collaborations, are scripting a powerful narrative of resilience, unity, and progress.
Since the constitutional integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India in 2019, the region has undergone a seismic transformation.
On-ground terrorism has been significantly curtailed, with security forces reporting a 40% drop in terror incidents since 2020. However, anti-India elements have shifted their focus to cyberspace, employing fake news, AI-generated videos, and inflammatory content in a bid to radicalize youth.
One such incident occurred in May 2023, when a viral video allegedly showing “Indian forces harassing civilians” created a brief uproar online. Within hours, J&K Police’s cyber units traced the video to a Pakistan-based IP address, revealing it to be a fabricated scene staged in Rawalpindi. Over 50 Pakistan-linked accounts amplifying the content were promptly suspended.
“Terror groups are desperate. Having lost the physical battlefield, they’ve turned to psychological warfare,” explained J&K Director General of Police . “But our resolve is stronger, and our strategies more advanced.”
Dubbed the “third eye” by locals, the J&K Police’s cyber division employs a multi-pronged strategy:
1. Real-time Monitoring: AI-powered tools analyze over 10,000 social media posts daily, flagging suspicious activity.
2. Collaborative Action: Partnerships with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) facilitate swift takedowns of malicious content.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns: More than 200 workshops have educated over 15,000 students on identifying and reporting propaganda.
This proactive approach has yielded significant results. The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that 15 Pakistan-originated websites and 120 social media accounts spreading hate speech and fabricated narratives were blocked in 2023.
“We’re not just deleting lies; we’re empowering citizens to recognize the truth and become digital watchdogs,” said a senior cyber police officer.
The heart of this transformation lies in Kashmir’s youth. Once vulnerable to radicalization, many young people are now pursuing meaningful opportunities in coding, tourism, and vocational training.
In 2023, over 30,000 young Kashmiris enrolled in skill-development programs, including a flagship IT initiative by the NGO Hope Beyond Horizons.
Aarif Malik, 22, who now works at a tech firm in Srinagar, shared his story: “My brother joined a terror group at 17. I chose a coding academy instead. Pakistan’s propaganda offers nothing but empty promises. Our future is here in Kashmir.”
This renewed focus on development has also bolstered the region’s economy:
• Tourism surged by 65% in 2023, with 1.8 million visitors flocking to iconic spots like Dal Lake and Gulmarg.
• Over ₹12,000 crore has been invested in infrastructure, including new hospitals and educational institutions.
International watchdogs have repeatedly exposed Pakistan’s role in fomenting unrest in Jammu and Kashmir. A 2022 UN report highlighted Pakistani handlers coordinating with groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba to incite violence. The EU DisinfoLab, which previously uncovered a massive Pakistan-linked fake news network, recently noted a “shift in Kashmir’s narrative—from victimhood to vitality.”
“Pakistan’s playbook is outdated,” said security analyst Ananya Joshi. “The world now sees through their propaganda, while Kashmiris are charting a new path rooted in progress and dignity.”
Citizen participation has emerged as a cornerstone of this digital revolution. Under the J&K Police’s “Digital Yatra” initiative, residents are encouraged to report suspicious content via toll-free hotlines such as 112.
One recent success story involved a 19-year-old Baramulla student who alerted authorities to a Telegram group recruiting for cross-border terror activities. This timely action led to the arrest of six individuals.
“Propaganda thrives in silence. Every reported post is a strike against their agenda,” emphasized a senior police official.
As autumn casts its golden glow over the Chinar trees, Kashmir is witnessing a remarkable revival. Hotels are fully booked, apple orchards are reporting record exports, and tech parks are buzzing with activity.
Ayesha Khan, founder of the grassroots NGO Kashmir Innovate, summed up the shift: “We’ve moved from stone-pelting to startups. Our youth aren’t just rejecting propaganda—they’re too busy coding, farming, and hosting tourists to entertain divisive narratives.”
Fact Box:
• Terror incidents: Down 40% (2020–2023)
• Youth enrolled in vocational training: 30,000 in 2023
• Tourism growth: 1.8 million visitors in 2023
• Blocked accounts: 120 Pakistan-linked handles
Jammu and Kashmir’s story is no longer one of conflict but of courage and progress. With security forces protecting the digital frontier and citizens embracing new opportunities, the region stands as a testament to resilience and hope. As the adage goes, “They tried to bury us, but they didn’t know we were seeds.” In Kashmir, those seeds have blossomed into a vibrant garden of possibility.
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