Exposed! How J&K stone-pelters are recruited, paid by Pakistani sympathisers

New Delhi: Describing the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh revealed in parliament on Friday how Pakistani social media handlers mobilise stone-pelters in the state while some are even paid a monthly remuneration to help keep their agenda alive.

He said that these Pakistani elements not just want to destabilise Kashmir but the whole country.

Revealing a new trend in Kashmir, the minister said whenever there is any anti-insurgency operation in an area, some youths are tasked with mobilising a crowd whose main task is to pelt stones on security forces.

Singh said these youths are being brainwashed by people based in Pakistan.

The minister further said that Pakistan-based social media handlers use platforms like Facebook and WhatsUp to spread their tentacles in Kashmir.

However, “Our security forces are responding in equal measure which the terrorists use against us,” he said.

In a twitter post, the ruling BJP has claimed that each stone-pelter gets Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 8,000 while some of them are even paid a monthly emolument.

Youths, as young as 12 years, are being brainwashed for stone-pelting.

Those who are paid on a monthly basis, get at least Rs. 7,000.

The involvement of the Pakistani elements in fomenting trouble in the state has also been exposed in a sting operation carried out by India Today.

"The whole country is aware of this act of Pakistan. Our security forces are responding to them the way it is needed," Singh said in Lok Sabha.

Singh's response came after Trinamool Congress member Saugata Roy raised the issue during Zero Hour.

The minister appealed to the youths of Kashmir not to be misled by anti-national forces.