Did the UN Report Expose Jaish-e-Mohammed's Role in the Red Fort Blast?
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Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 12 (NationPress) A recent report from a United Nations counter-terrorism monitoring team has implicated the Pakistan-based terror organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in the tragic explosion at Delhi's iconic Red Fort. The BJP expressed that this revelation highlights the effectiveness of India’s investigative agencies in revealing the conspiracy surrounding the attack.
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal commented to IANS: "This signifies the diligence of our investigative agencies, which have thoroughly examined the bomb blast. With JeM's involvement coming to light, it indicates a significant conspiracy. As the investigation unfolds, the entire scenario will be clarified."
Another BJP leader, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, stated: "The architects of terrorism in Pakistan are being exposed one by one on a global scale. These brutal terrorists not only threaten India but pose a risk to worldwide peace as well."
BJP MP Damodar Agarwal mentioned that the situation is being closely observed. "The Ministry of Home Affairs is scrutinizing this issue meticulously. The Indian Government remains alert, and I believe appropriate measures will follow once the facts are established," he said.
In response, Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal criticized Pakistan for its deceptive claims of dismantling JeM, asserting that India has consistently raised concerns at the United Nations due to the group's ongoing terrorist activities against the nation.
Bansal remarked, "Pakistan's assertions of having eradicated Jaish-e-Mohammed are unfounded. Their persistent terrorist actions have compelled us to voice our concerns at the United Nations and beyond." He emphasized that despite Pakistan's claims of neutralizing the group, the latest UN Sanctions Monitoring Report contradicts this assertion.
He further added, "The report validates that the November 10 explosion at Delhi’s Red Fort, which resulted in approximately 15 casualties, was executed by Jaish-e-Mohammed. This disproves Pakistan's narrative. Jaish-e-Mohammed remains operational and engaged in acts of terrorism."
Congress leader Hussain Dalwai expressed his concerns: "This is extremely alarming. If Pakistan continues to propagate terrorism in our nation, it must face consequences. No one benefits from terrorism."
The UN Security Council's latest report from the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team noted that a member state reported JeM taking responsibility for various attacks and being linked to the assault on the Red Fort in New Delhi on November 10, which led to 15 fatalities. Given the Red Fort's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Indian sovereignty, this association is particularly significant for regional security.
The report also highlighted that on October 8, JeM leader Masood Azhar announced the formation of a female-only faction named Jamaat ul-Muminat, aimed explicitly at facilitating terrorist activities, marking a shift in the group's recruitment and operational strategies. Analysts suggest this aligns with trends observed in other extremist organizations that seek to broaden their support base, enhance logistical networks, and avoid security scrutiny by involving women in supporting roles.
Designated as an Al-Qaida-associated entity by the UN, JeM has a notorious history of terrorist activities primarily targeting India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. Established in 2000, the group is responsible for numerous high-profile attacks, including on security forces and civilian targets. Its leader, Masood Azhar, has faced UN sanctions for years, including travel bans and asset freezes.