On September 11, 2025, a new militant group calling itself the Mountain Warriors of Kashmir (MWK) burst onto the scene with a bold press release. Signed by someone named Ahmad Hannan, the statement vowed to fight for “Azadi,” or freedom, against what they call the occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. “We will give our lives to fight against the ingress of occupation,” it declared. “This fight will go on until we achieve Azadi.”
Indian intelligence agencies quickly pointed fingers at Pakistan for creating the MWK in recent weeks. They say it’s just the latest proxy outfit linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a well-known Pakistan-based terror group. The name “Mountain Warriors of Kashmir” seems designed to strike a chord with local Kashmiris, making the group feel more like a homegrown resistance than a foreign import.
This move fits a pattern from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), experts say. The ISI often launches these psychological operations, or psy-ops, to stir trouble in India without direct confrontation. Instead of big terror attacks, these groups focus on propaganda to fuel Kashmiri nationalism. It’s a tactic similar to what the Sikhs for Justice group uses to push the Khalistan movement—lots of online chatter and messaging to rally support, not bombs or gunfire.
Look at the names of other recent groups popping up: The Resistance Front (TRF), Kashmir Tigers (KT), and the People’s Anti Fascist Front (PAFF). Each one taps into local pride, aiming to draw in everyday Kashmiris and turn protests into a “people’s movement.” The goal? Radicalize young people through social media and statements, getting them out on the streets like we’ve seen in Bangladesh or Nepal. No need for weapons—just words to build momentum.
Indian officials note that these outfits operate differently from heavy hitters like Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), LeT, or Hizbul Mujahideen. Direct battles with India’s armed forces have proven tough; the military is on high alert, and infiltration across the border has become nearly impossible. Plus, after India’s Operation Sindoor exposed Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism, Islamabad knows any overt aggression could spark a full war.
So, why propaganda now? LeT and JeM are reeling from Indian crackdowns. Their leaders are in hiding, morale is low, and rebuilding takes time. With few active militants on the ground in Kashmir, these proxy groups keep the flame alive. They remind supporters the fight continues, motivate scattered cadres, and provoke locals without risking lives in failed attacks.
If the ISI pulls this off, it wins a battle without firing a shot—radicalizing Kashmir’s youth and sparking unrest from within. For now, security forces watch closely, knowing this shadow war of words could escalate if left unchecked.
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