Archive · 12 Sep 2026
ISI Allegedly Recruits Jammu and Kashmir Juveniles Through Gangsters
Security officials say a Pakistan intelligence agency is trying to use gangsters to recruit young people in Jammu and Kashmir.
The officials say some of the targeted young people are minors with no previous criminal records.
This could make them harder for police to notice.
Police recently arrested six people linked to the Khauf Gang.
Three of those arrested were juveniles.
Police also found guns, sharp weapons and bullets.
Investigators are trying to find who gave the gang its instructions and money.
The allegations are based on statements from security and police officials, and the investigation is continuing.
Security officials allege that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence is targeting juveniles in Jammu and Kashmir through gangster networks.
The alleged recruitment is aimed at involving minors with clean records in organized crime and destabilizing activities.
Jammu Police arrested six alleged members of the Khauf Gang and recovered three pistols, five sharp-edged weapons and six live rounds.
Three of those arrested were juveniles whom police said had been lured into the network.
Investigators are examining possible money trails and links to handlers across the border and associates in Punjab.
- Who
- Security forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police say Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, through gangster networks, is targeting juveniles; six alleged Khauf Gang members were arrested.
- What
- Authorities reported an alleged effort to recruit minors into organized crime and destabilizing activities.
- When
- The reported trend is described as recent; officials also linked it to targeted killings in Kashmir during 2021-22.
- Where
- Jammu and Kashmir, with possible links extending to Punjab and handlers across the border.
- Why
- Officials allege the recruitment is intended to involve young people in crimes and destabilize India while exploiting their clean records.
- Agency named by officials
- Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, also referred to as the ISI
- Recent arrests
- Six alleged members of the Khauf Gang were arrested by Jammu Police.
- Juveniles arrested
- Three of those arrested were juveniles.
- Weapons recovered
- Three pistols, five sharp-edged weapons known as tokas, and six live rounds.
- Investigation focus
- Police are examining money trails, cross-border handlers and the network’s backward and forward links.
- Additional location mentioned
- Officials said some suspected associates operate in Punjab as well as Jammu and Kashmir.