Maulana Masood Azhar is one of the world’s most dangerous and most wanted terrorists, known for orchestrating multiple deadly attacks against India. As the founder of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a UN-designated terrorist organization, Azhar has spent decades fueling jihadist violence, especially in the Indian region of Jammu and Kashmir. His name is synonymous with some of the worst terror incidents India has suffered in recent memory.
Who Is Maulana Masood Azhar?
- Full Name: Maulana Masood Azhar Alvi
- Date of Birth: July 10, 1968
- Place of Birth: Bahawalpur, Punjab province, Pakistan
- Nationality: Pakistani
- Affiliation: Founder and Supreme Leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)
- Designation: Listed as a Global Terrorist by the United Nations, United States, European Union, and India
Masood Azhar is a radical Islamic cleric and ideologue who began his journey through extremist groups like Harkat-ul-Mujahideen before forming Jaish-e-Mohammed in early 2000. He is widely regarded as the strategic and ideological brain behind the group’s terror operations in South Asia.
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Why Is He the Most Wanted Terrorist in India?
1. Founder of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)
Azhar founded JeM soon after being released from Indian custody in a highly controversial hostage swap in 1999. The group has carried out numerous suicide bombings, armed infiltrations, and high-profile attacks targeting Indian military and civilian establishments.
2. Involvement in Major Terrorist Attacks Against India
| Year | Attack | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | IC-814 Hijacking | Azhar was released from an Indian jail in exchange for passengers of a hijacked Indian Airlines plane. |
| 2001 | Indian Parliament Attack | JeM militants launched an assault on India’s Parliament, killing 9. This brought India and Pakistan to the brink of war. |
| 2016 | Pathankot Airbase Attack | A deadly attack on an Indian Air Force base in Punjab, killing security personnel. |
| 2019 | Pulwama Suicide Bombing | A JeM suicide bomber killed 40 Indian paramilitary forces. The worst attack on Indian forces in Kashmir in decades. |
These attacks have directly led to increased tensions between India and Pakistan and spurred global condemnation of JeM.
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Global Designation and Sanctions
After years of diplomatic efforts and political deadlock, Maulana Masood Azhar was designated a Global Terrorist by the UN Security Council in May 2019, largely due to pressure from India, the United States, and France. Previously, China had blocked this move multiple times, citing "lack of evidence," but relented after the Pulwama attack drew international outrage.
Current Whereabouts
Despite the global designation, Azhar is believed to be living freely in Pakistan, particularly in Bahawalpur, his hometown. Indian and foreign intelligence agencies believe he is protected by Pakistan’s military and its spy agency, the ISI. Pakistan has repeatedly denied his presence or claimed he is “missing,” although he is widely suspected to remain under state protection.
Conclusion
Maulana Masood Azhar remains one of the most dangerous figures in the global war on terrorism. As the founder and leader of JeM, he has inspired and directed some of the deadliest terror operations on Indian soil. His continued freedom is a source of diplomatic tension and a glaring example of how state-supported terrorism can destabilize regional peace. For India, capturing or neutralizing Masood Azhar remains a top national security priority, and for the global community, it is a test of resolve against impunity in terrorism.
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