In a concerning development, top commanders from Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have issued inflammatory statements inciting violence against India and global powers. These pronouncements, made during public gatherings in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) on the heels of "Kashmir Solidarity Day," included open calls for jihad and threats to strike major Indian cities, triggering a high-level alert across the Indian intelligence establishment.
The rhetoric specifically targeted Delhi and Agra, with Lashkar ideologue Syed Abdul Rehman Naqvi declaring the group's intent to "set Agra on fire, rouse the Deccan, and shake Delhi". Addressing a crowd, Naqvi, who has close ties to Hafiz Saeed and his son Talha Saeed, vowed to dismantle "Akhand Bharat" to fulfill the "testaments of his elders".
In Rawalakot, POK, JeM commander Masood Ilyas Kashmiri also addressed a large gathering, urging Pakistani youth to join the ranks of the terror group. Kashmiri asserted his supporters were ready to use "full force and terror to crush the enemy". He further warned of a "message" to be delivered to Delhi and global powers, specifically mentioning the US, England, and Israeli PM Netanyahu. The rally also showcased a "next-generation" cadre of newly recruited terrorists.
Masood Ilyas Kashmiri is known for previously acknowledging the devastating impact of Indian strikes on JeM's Bahawalpur headquarters. He had described the scene after the strikes, stating that terrorists were left in "shreds".
These coordinated statements are viewed as a serious escalation, prompting Indian forces to brace for potential cross-border spillover. The explicit geographic targeting and the call for intensified terror activities have heightened concerns about potential attacks in the near future. The threats come at a sensitive time, with ongoing tensions in the region and a heightened security environment. Indian intelligence agencies are working to gather more information and coordinate with security forces to mitigate any potential threats.
The public appearance of newly recruited terrorists at the JeM rally is particularly alarming, suggesting an active recruitment drive and a potential increase in the number of operatives ready to carry out attacks. The combination of experienced commanders issuing threats and the visible presence of new recruits indicates a coordinated effort to escalate terror activities.
The statements made by Naqvi and Kashmiri have been widely circulated on social media, further amplifying their impact and potentially inciting further violence. Authorities are monitoring online activity and working to counter extremist narratives. The focus remains on preventing any potential attacks and maintaining peace and stability in the region.