New Delhi, Nov. 18 – India’s intelligence agency, the ISI, has changed its approach after finding that many recruits in Jammu and Kashmir were not driven by ideology. Instead, most were motivated by money. The shift comes as vigilantes face similar challenges faced by groups such as Jaish‑e‑Mohammad and Lashkar‑e‑Taiba since the repeal of Article 370.
### Money over Mission
Recent investigations show that many recruits in the Valley earn their living from ordinary jobs. Security bodies note that these fighters seek money rather than a cause. As a result, Jaish‑e‑Mohammad’s Faridabad “terror module” proves the problem. The team, made up largely of doctors, handled planning, recruitment, and financing. However, police say almost none of the doctors worked purely for the money. Instead, they were drawn to Jaish‑e‑Mohammad, not the other way around.
### The Risk of “White‑Collared” Terror
Strategic ideology is the mark of a true terrorist. In most cases, people pretended to be radicalised only to profit. Faridabad’s unit was self‑radicalised and never attended a designated training camp. In phone calls with handlers, they made no financial request. With high‑paying jobs, most members were willing to fund the unit themselves, incurring only a Rs 20‑lakh fee for recruitment and ammunition. Their civil‑service backgrounds and lack of criminal records let them operate undetected.
### Advanced Planning and Tech
The Faridabad unit used the Swiss messaging app Threema – no email ID or phone number required – to coordinate attacks. The app enabled encrypted communication and made tracking difficult. High‑educated professionals in the group used their computer skills to design sophisticated plots and manage online propaganda.
### Growing Trend
White‑collared terrorism has been rising for more than a decade. Al‑Qaeda and the Islamic State recruited educated fighters because they excel at international operations and adapt quickly to foreign environments. Intelligence agencies warn that Pakistan‑based groups like Lashkar‑e‑Taiba and Jaish‑e‑Mohammad will likely recruit more educated individuals. This trend could increase attacks deep inside India.
### Bottom Line
India’s intelligence community is now focusing on identity, ideology, and recruitment tactics rather than just money. By targeting educated recruits who can covertly plan and coordinate online, the ISI aims to neutralise threats before they materialise.
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