J&K Terrorism Evolves: White-Collar Rings, Hybrid Militants & Global Nexus

• Post-Article 370, while stone-pelting declined, terror attacks initially increased before a recent decrease, prompting a shift in Pakistan's strategy.
• Pakistan created "secular-sounding" terror groups like TRF and PAFF as proxies for LeT/Jaish/HM to maintain deniability and target non-Kashmiris.
• The rise of "hybrid militants" – ordinary civilians remotely controlled by Pakistan-based handlers – presents a new challenge due to their anonymity and lack of prior records.
• Highly trained foreign terrorists, allegedly by Pakistan's SSG, are infiltrating J&K with advanced weaponry, consolidating in jungles, and avoiding direct encounters.
• Terror networks are expanding their reach, forming a nexus with Bangladesh, receiving support from Turkey, and activating sleeper cells in the Indian hinterland.

Why It Matters: Evolving terror tactics in J&K pose complex new threats to national security.