Generation gap hits Kashmir militancy: It is the young vs the old

New Delhi, July 25: The generation gap within the ranks of militant groups has ensured a two way split. In the Hizbul Mujahideen there is a major split today with a younger generation trying to overpower the older.

While the older generation wants to stick to the basics, the younger lot have decided to adopt to technology and more brutal forms in a bid to push their agenda.

The Hizbul Mujahideen had yesterday disowned a faction operating in Kashmir and also expelled Abdul Najar over his involvement in a murder. The new faction which has called itself as the Lashkar-e-Islam has carried out a series of killings in Kashmir and even targeted telecom vendors.

Generation gap:

There is a clear tussle on within the ranks of these militant groups. Many who have relied on fiery political speeches, age old techniques of recruitment and also breeding separatists today feel left out due to the advent of technology. The command council leader of the Hizbul Mujahideen, Salahuddin clearly feels that the younger generation is overpowering him.

Salahuddin said that the Najar had clearly disregarded the command of the Hizbul and hence needs to be expelled. Security analysts however state that the real reason behind these actions is insecurity. Salahuddin and his ageing gang of separatists feel that they are being left out of the race. They are unable to cope with technology and feel that the younger lot are at an advantage as they are better equipped to fight the modern battle.

Several youngsters who have joined the militant ranks are in the age group of 20 and 30. Recently an intelligence bureau report which was submitted to National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval indicated that 34 educated youth had joined the Hizbul Mujahideen.

If one were to look at the style of functioning, it becomes clear that the new generation of militants are extremely tech savvy. Moreover they have also learnt from the ISIS and the al-Qaeda the art of propaganda battle. One such militant, Burhan Wani had posted a picture of him sporting an assault rifle on facebook which went viral.

This has in fact not gone down too well with the command council of the Hizbul. The older lot still want to hold on to their positions and call the shots. However the problem for them is that the new lot are not ready to listen.

The newer lot are more dangerous:

The older lot of militants would weigh the pros and cons politically before carrying out an attack. They were more loyal to the ISI in Paksitan and would strike only if there was an agenda on hand. However the newer generation of terrorists operate very differently.

They are not attached to any agenda. They just believe in a cause. The styling of the ISIS has been a game changer in the world of terror. Today the younger lot of terrorists quote the ISIS in every action they undertake. Kashmir is witnessing a similar problem with the educated youth leaning towards terrorist groups.

Intelligence Bureau officials point out that the newer lot are extremely dangerous. They do not wait for orders but go about doing their job. They are educated and know very well how to use technology to their advantage. Moreover they are hot blooded and can be extremely brutal in their style of attacks.

The newer lot with the help of technology are able to reach a wider audience. They carry out recruitments online and also post pictures which tend to draw a younger audience into their fold.

OneIndia news