Unveiling the Truth Behind Masood Azhar’s Terror Activities

India on Friday called upon Pakistan to take strong action against Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar, following reports that the UN-designated global terrorist delivered a speech recently at a public gathering in Bahawalpur. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that if the report is correct, then it has exposed Pakistan’s “duplicity” in containing terrorist activities. “We demand that strong action be taken against him (Azhar) and he should be brought to justice. There has been denial that he is not there in Pakistan,” the ministry’s spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. “If the reports are correct, then it exposes the duplicity of Pakistan. Masood Azhar is involved in cross-border terror attacks on India and we want that strong action be taken against him,” he added. Azhar was listed as an international terrorist by the United Nations Security Council in May 2019 and India designated him as a terrorist in September 2019. In India, Azhar has been involved in the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, the attack on the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly complex in 2001 that killed 38 people, another attack in Pathankot in 2016, various terror attacks on BSF camps in Srinagar, Pulwama, Jammu, among other attacks. India had arrested him in 1994, but was forced to release him in exchange for hostages during the infamous IC-814 hijacking in 1999. He founded Jaish-e-Mohammed after his release. According to the UN Security Council, Jaish was associated with Usama bin Laden’s Al-Qaida, and the Taliban for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating terror activities.

Published On: Dec 7, 2024

Conclusion

In conclusion, the revelations about Masood Azhar’s continued involvement in terrorist activities highlight the urgent need for Pakistan to take decisive action against him. The international community must come together to ensure that individuals like Azhar are held accountable for their actions to prevent further violence and instability in the region.

FAQs

1. Who is Masood Azhar?

Masood Azhar is the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammad, a UN-designated global terrorist known for his involvement in numerous cross-border terror attacks, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama terror attack.

2. What actions has India called for against Masood Azhar?

India has demanded that Pakistan take strong action against Masood Azhar and bring him to justice for his role in terrorist activities. The Ministry of External Affairs has emphasized the need for accountability and the prevention of future attacks.

3. How has Masood Azhar been linked to terrorist organizations?

Masood Azhar’s group, Jaish-e-Mohammad, has been associated with Usama bin Laden’s Al-Qaida and the Taliban for participating in the financing, planning, and facilitating of terror activities, according to the UN Security Council.

4. What attacks has Masood Azhar been involved in?

Masood Azhar has been linked to various terror attacks in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, and attacks on BSF camps in Srinagar, Pulwama, and Jammu, among others.

5. When was Masood Azhar designated as a terrorist by India?

Masood Azhar was designated as a terrorist by India in September 2019, following his listing as an international terrorist by the United Nations Security Council in May 2019.

6. What is the significance of Masood Azhar’s recent public speech in Bahawalpur?

Reports of Masood Azhar delivering a speech at a public gathering in Bahawalpur have raised concerns about Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorist activities and the need for decisive action against individuals involved in such activities.

7. How has Masood Azhar evaded accountability in the past?

Masood Azhar was arrested by India in 1994 but was released in exchange for hostages during the IC-814 hijacking in 1999. He went on to found Jaish-e-Mohammad and has continued to be involved in terrorist activities since then.

8. What role does the UN Security Council play in addressing terrorism?

The UN Security Council plays a crucial role in designating individuals and organizations involved in terrorism, such as Masood Azhar and Jaish-e-Mohammad, to promote international cooperation in combating terrorist activities and ensuring accountability.

9. What are the implications of Pakistan’s response to the reports about Masood Azhar?

Pakistan’s response to the reports about Masood Azhar’s activities will be closely watched by the international community to assess its commitment to addressing terrorism and preventing further attacks in the region.

10. How can the international community support India in holding Masood Azhar accountable?

The international community can support India by exerting diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to take strong action against Masood Azhar and other individuals involved in terrorist activities, ensuring that they are brought to justice and prevented from causing further harm.

Tags

India, Pakistan, Terrorism, Masood Azhar, Jaish-e-Mohammad