Kashmir is witnessing a dangerous trend of radicalisation with young boys being lured into terrorism. The latest example is Majid Khan , 20, a district-level footballer of Anantnag, who took up arms only a few days ago, leaving his friends, family and relatives in shock. Pursuing graduation at Government Boys’ Degree College, Anantnag, Majid is a resident of Sadiqabad locality of this main town of South Kashmir .

Majid’s friend, Yawar Nisar, had joined the Hizbul Mujahideen in July this year. Within a fortnight of joining terrorist ranks, Yawar was killed in an encounter with the security forces on August 3. Majid’s picture with an AK-47 went viral on social networking sites on Friday. Soon, it was discovered that he had joined Lashkar-e-Taiba. Before choosing the path of terrorism, Majid was working with a humanitarian organisation as a volunteer and emergency head. According to Senior Superintendent of Police Anantnag, Altaf Ahmed Khan, “Majid Khan was influenced by his peer group, the local youths who had earlier joined militancy.”

Khan said radicalisation of youths is a major concern and challenge for the police. Majid in his Facebook post wrote: “Why look up at the stars when the biggest star is me.” “Majid is a talented boy and good footballer, we are worried about him. Hope he comes back safely,” said one of his relatives who did not want to be identified. According to Senior Superintendent of Police Anantnag, Altaf Ahmed Khan, “Majid Khan was influenced by his peer group, the local youths who had earlier joined militancy.”

Khan said radicalisation of youths is a major concern and challenge for the police. Majid in his Facebook post wrote: “Why look up at the stars when the biggest star is me.” “Majid is a talented boy and good footballer, we are worried about him. Hope he comes back safely,” said one of his relatives who did not want to be identified. Sources in security and intelligence agencies told Mirror that about 31 youths have joined Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar and Jaish-e-Mohammad in the last two-and-a-half months in South Kashmir.

“Majid Khan was also working with an NGO, and during his stint in the organisation, he recruited more than 300 volunteers from Anantnag district,” the sources said. “The difference between the present day militancy and the one that existed in early 1990s is that the ideological conviction of the present generation is far more superior,” a top police official told Mirror.

