ISI Shifts to Propaganda Tactics After Infiltration Routes Close in Jammu and Kashmir

Pakistan Shifts Strategy to Digital Warfare in Jammu and Kashmir as Border Security Tightens

Pakistani intelligence services have pivoted to online propaganda tactics after finding conventional infiltration routes into Jammu and Kashmir nearly impossible to breach, according to Indian intelligence agencies. This strategic shift follows the success of Operation Sindoor, which has dramatically reduced cross-border infiltration attempts to almost zero.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently directed security forces to maintain Jammu and Kashmir’s infiltration-free status, a directive that appears to be yielding results. The effectiveness of India’s border security was demonstrated in October when alert forces in Kupwara neutralized two terrorists attempting to cross the border.

Faced with these setbacks, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has reportedly refocused its efforts on digital warfare, launching disinformation campaigns designed to incite communal tensions and recruit local youth in the Union Territory. Intelligence sources indicate that the ISI has dedicated wings for propaganda operations, which have previously been deployed during periods of domestic tension in India, such as the aftermath of the Citizenship Amendment Act implementation.

“The ISI wants to disturb the peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir through a massive disinformation campaign,” said a senior intelligence official speaking on condition of anonymity. “They’re trying to revive dormant narratives around Article 370’s abrogation and alleged injustices against Kashmiri youth.”

Security agencies have observed that Pakistan’s strategic objective has evolved toward establishing homegrown terror networks rather than infiltrating foreign operatives. This approach serves dual purposes: circumventing India’s robust border defenses and allowing Pakistan to frame the Kashmir issue as an indigenous movement when addressing international audiences.

Despite the reduced success rate, infiltration attempts remain persistent. Intelligence estimates suggest approximately 80 terrorists are positioned along border areas, waiting for opportunities to enter Indian territory. Attempted incursions have been detected along multiple routes, including Uri, Kupwara, Guru, Hiranagar, and the Sunderbans region.

More concerning for security agencies is the involvement of Pakistan’s Border Action Team (BAT), composed of military commandos, in recent infiltration attempts. Several such operations in the Poonch sector along the Line of Control have been thwarted by Indian armed forces.

Pakistan’s renewed focus on Jammu and Kashmir comes amid mounting domestic challenges. The nation faces significant pressure from multiple fronts, including instability in Afghanistan, threats from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and separatist movements like the Balochistan Nationalist Army (BLA).

“Islamabad is desperately seeking diversions from its internal crises,” explained a regional security analyst. “Creating unrest in Kashmir provides both a distraction and reinforces their narrative on the international stage.”

The elimination of prominent terror groups such as Hizbul Mujahideen and The Resistance Front has created a vacuum that Pakistani agencies are eager to fill with new local recruits. However, these recruitment efforts have been largely unsuccessful as the region experiences unprecedented peace and economic growth.

Tourism has flourished in Jammu and Kashmir following years of instability, bringing economic opportunities to local residents. This positive development has reportedly frustrated Pakistani efforts to radicalize disaffected youth.

Indian intelligence agencies remain vigilant against both physical infiltration attempts and digital propaganda campaigns, working to identify and counter misinformation before it can incite violence or radicalization. The evolving nature of this conflict highlights how modern asymmetric warfare increasingly plays out in both physical and information spaces.