DGP Swain: Internet Fuels Militancy and Separatism in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu, June 23: Director General of Police R R Swain highlighted on Sunday that the internet is increasingly being used to sustain terrorism and separatism in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistani handlers exploit the virtual world to facilitate infiltration and smuggle weapons into the Union Territory.

Speaking at the inauguration of the newly constructed Cyber Police Station building in Jammu zone, adjacent to Police Station Bagh-e-Bahu, DGP Swain remarked, “The internet is becoming a medium of sustaining terrorism and separatism in J&K, with 75 percent of the challenge linked to it. Some officers might estimate this figure between 60 to 80 percent, but my statement is not far from the truth.”

Swain emphasized the broad scope of cybercrime, noting that it often intersects with conventional crimes. He pointed out the security risks posed by foreign communication platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, which undermine the sovereignty of licensed telecom service providers. He has raised these concerns at the highest levels, citing the security challenges they present.

He detailed how Pakistan-based handlers, using local agents and the internet, plan attacks. They use cyberspace to coordinate infiltration, arms drops, and pick-ups without detection. Previously, conspiracies were planned through physical meetings or telephonic contacts, which could be monitored. Now, these activities have moved into the virtual realm, complicating tracking efforts.

Swain stressed the need for a counter-plan to address the misuse and hijacking of technology by adversaries. He clarified that while privacy is respected, crimes committed under its guise, including fraud, extortion, blackmail, and efforts to destabilize the government, cannot be tolerated.

He acknowledged the historical lack of focus on cybercrime in Jammu and Kashmir but noted recent efforts to address this gap. Cyber police stations have now been established in all 20 revenue districts and three police districts of the Union Territory.

Highlighting the nature of cyber crimes, Swain mentioned that they often involve financial frauds and the exploitation of young individuals. He underscored the challenge posed by the borderless nature of the internet, where fraudsters can operate from outside India’s physical territory.

Swain concluded by affirming the ongoing efforts to strengthen cyber police capabilities and expressed confidence that the fight against cyber-enabled terrorism and crime will be successful.(Inputs Agencies)