Masood Azhar’s Shadow Over Delhi: Is Delhi blast a sign of the return of ‘Jaish-e-Mohammed’? Banned by UN, safe in Pakistan, and now again on India’s target! Has Masood Azhar activated his ‘deadly chain’ once again?
New Delhi. The blast in the heart of Delhi on November 10 once again heated up security issues between India and Pakistan. Soon after the blast, the name came up – Masood Azhar, the terrorist who has been involved in 26/11 Mumbai attack, Parliament attack, Pathankot and Pulwama attacks. Despite being declared an international terrorist by the United Nations Security Council, Masood Azhar is safe in Pakistan and from there he is involved in spreading terrorism in India.
Who is Masood Azhar and why is he dangerous?
Masood Azhar, 56, is the founder of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed. He has carried out many dangerous attacks in India. In 1999–2000, after being released by India in exchange for hostages during the IC-814 hijacking, Azhar founded his organisation. Jaish-e-Mohammed operates from Bahawalpur in Pakistan and its network continues to flourish with deep Pakistani support.
Many field commanders in Azhar’s network are of Pakistani origin. Many of his associates and family members in India have been killed, but Azhar and his organization remain active. His terrorist exploits include the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack.
Was Delhi blast a conspiracy by Azhar?
Jaish-e-Mohammed’s India leadership is decentralized. This means that their activities are difficult to stop. The arrest of Delhi blast suspects has revealed their connection with Jaish. Last year, Azhar, while giving a speech at an Islamic seminary in Pakistan’s Punjab province, had threatened to intensify attacks on India. India demanded Pakistan to take action against Azhar and Jaish-e-Mohammed, but Pakistan’s double character has been continuously exposed.
Operation Sindoor and Azhar’s family
Last year, Operation Sindoor on Azhar’s terrorist camp in Bahawalpur gave a big blow to his network. At least 10 family members of Azhar were killed in this. However Azhar survived. He later said that he did not regret his family’s death, but wished he had died with them.
Mahila Brigade and Jaish’s new strategy
Jaish has recently started “Jamaat ul-Mominat” women brigade to instigate women. Its leader is Saadia Azfar, whom Azhar trained to spread the jihadi blueprint. The wife of Pulwama attack mastermind Omar Farooq also joined the advisory council of this brigade. Dr Shaheen Saeed, from Faridabad, India, who was tasked with setting up the India unit, was recently arrested with an assault rifle and ammunition after the blasts.
Is Pakistan again becoming a center of terrorism?
Last year, false claims of Azhar’s death went viral on social media. But now the Delhi blasts and the activation of Jaish’s women’s brigade indicate that Azhar and his network are still a big threat to India.
History of Azhar’s arrest and release
Masood Azhar was earlier in the custody of India. He had to be released in exchange for hostages during the Air India IC-814 hijacking. In December 1999, five armed terrorists hijacked the plane and Azhar was flown to Kandahar. India had to release Azhar and two other terrorists in exchange for the hostages.