Pakistans ISI Links Hamas to Kashmir Issue to Fuel Terrorism

New Delhi, October 31 (Daily Kiran) : Security agencies in New Delhi report a longstanding connection between the Palestinian group Hamas and various terrorist organizations operating in Pakistan. Investigations indicate that meetings have been held between Hamas and local militant groups with the backing of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI.

A significant gathering took place on February 5, 2025, in Rawalkot, where members of Hamas, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e-Taiba convened. This meeting, titled “Kashmir Solidarity and Hamas Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” aimed to discuss various ideas and organizational experiences.

An official from the Intelligence Bureau revealed that while operational topics such as the use of drones were discussed, the primary goal was to connect the issues of Palestine and Kashmir. The leaders of these organizations sought to present both issues as part of a unified “resistance movement.” This strategy was not merely about bringing different terrorist groups together but also aimed to frame the struggles of Palestine and Kashmir as a shared conflict.

The official emphasized that a significant objective was to send a message to Jammu and Kashmir. Currently, images and videos from these meetings are being disseminated among groups linked to Kashmir, encouraging local populations to identify with these issues and support the organizations involved.

Another official noted that after the abrogation of Article 370, Pakistan’s narrative regarding Jammu and Kashmir has weakened considerably. There is a growing sentiment among the populace that engaging in violence, whether through stones or weapons, will yield no benefits. Consequently, the involvement of Hamas has become crucial for the ISI.

The ISI aims to convey that Kashmir is not solely a concern for Pakistan but is also presented as a resistance movement by international terrorist organizations. Officials believe that by linking Hamas to the Kashmir cause, there is potential for some individuals to feel that their plight is being recognized on a global scale.

There is a concern that this propaganda may ensnare some individuals, potentially aiding recruitment efforts under Hamas’s banner. Authorities suspect that the alliance between Hamas, Jaish, and Lashkar could lead to a shift in strategies and tactics for their operations in Kashmir.

While adopting Hamas’s style of attacks is part of the discussion, the overarching goal remains to re-engage Kashmiris in the struggle. Officials warn that this ideological campaign could prove more dangerous than the operational changes being implemented by Jaish and Lashkar.

Since the revocation of Article 370, several positive developments have emerged in Jammu and Kashmir, notably a reduction in terrorism and an increase in tourism. Additionally, there has been a significant decline in new recruitments to terrorist organizations, and many overground worker networks have been dismantled, complicating operations for ISI-supported elements.

The effectiveness of Pakistan’s ideology and propaganda aimed at influencing Kashmiris is rapidly diminishing, raising concerns for the ISI. As a result, the agency is looking to introduce a new dimension to rekindle the interests of Kashmiri youth, hoping that the campaign linked to Hamas will assist in achieving this objective.