New Delhi, December 7, 2024: Masood Azhar, the chief of the Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), has made a rare public appearance after two decades, prompting a strong reaction from the Indian government. Azhar, who is linked to several notorious attacks, including the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack, resurfaced in a statement that raised alarms not just in India but across the international community.
The Indian government swiftly condemned Azhar’s reappearance, reiterating the threat posed by him and his organization. The statement by Azhar has intensified concerns regarding cross-border terrorism, especially considering JeM’s history of orchestrating deadly attacks against India. Azhar, who has remained largely in the shadows for years, continues to be a symbol of the persistent challenge that India faces from extremist groups operating in Pakistan.
India has long sought to have Azhar formally designated as a global terrorist. After years of diplomatic efforts, the United Nations finally added him to its global terrorism list in 2019. This came after China, which had previously blocked the move, finally relented, acknowledging the threat Azhar poses. Despite this, his resurgence highlights the enduring issue of cross-border terrorism, with Pakistan-based groups continuing to target India.
Azhar’s reappearance underscores the unresolved issue of Pakistan’s role in harboring and supporting militant groups. The latest development serves as a stark reminder to the international community of the ongoing threats posed by such figures and the need for greater cooperation in combating terrorism.
