In a concerning development, Masood Azhar, the chief of the Pakistan-based terror organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), is actively involved in training a dedicated women's jihad brigade. This initiative, named 'Jamat-ul-Mominat', marks a significant and alarming expansion of JeM's operations, signaling a new dimension in its terror strategy.
Blueprint for Female Jihad
Azhar's plan, revealed in a 21-minute audio recording, outlines a structured approach to recruit, indoctrinate, and deploy women in terror-related activities. The training module mirrors JeM's established program for men but includes courses specifically tailored for women. Recruits will undergo a 15-day introductory course called 'Daura-e-Taskiya,' the female equivalent of the male 'Daura-e-Tarbiat'. Following this, they will advance to 'Daura-Ayat-ul-Nisah,' which focuses on Islamic guidance for women's participation in jihad. Azhar has promised recruits spiritual rewards, claiming that women who die as members of Jamat-ul-Mominat "will go straight to paradise".
Recruitment and Indoctrination
JeM is actively recruiting women, particularly those who are economically vulnerable, wives of commanders, and relatives of slain militants. The group is also using propaganda, including false claims about women killed in Indian strikes, to attract new members. To further expand recruitment and raise funds, JeM has launched an online training course called 'Tufat al-Muminat'. This course involves daily 40-minute online sessions, starting November 8, led by Masood Azhar's sisters, Sadiya and Samaira Azhar, and Umar Farooq's wife, Afreera Farooq. Participants are asked to pay a donation of 500 Pakistani Rupees (approximately ₹156).
Leadership and Structure
Sadiya Azhar, Masood Azhar's sister, has been appointed to head the new women's wing, Jamaat-ul-Mominaat. Other key instructors include another sister, Samaira Azhar (alias Umme Masood), and Afeera Farooq, the widow of the Pulwama bomber, Umar Farooq. JeM plans to establish branches of Jamat-ul-Mominat across Pakistan, each led by a District Muntazima responsible for recruitment and management. Strict rules are imposed on recruits, forbidding them from speaking to unrelated men by phone or on social media, except for immediate family.
Strategic Implications
The formation of a women's wing and the active training of female jihadis represent a strategic shift for JeM. This move could complicate counter-terrorism efforts, as female recruits can evade scrutiny more easily and operate under social cover. By mobilizing women, JeM aims to expand its operational reach and exploit societal vulnerabilities. Masood Azhar has stated that the women's brigade will serve as a counter to the perceived use of women in armies and media by JeM's enemies. He claims that "enemies of Jaish have put Hindu women into the army and set up female journalists against us,".
Regional Security Concerns
Indian intelligence officials are closely monitoring these developments, recognizing the potential for increased instability in the region. The involvement of women in jihadist roles poses new challenges for security agencies. With JeM's history of cross-border terrorism, the international community remains concerned about the group's evolving tactics and potential impact on regional peace.
