Pakistani terrorist and Jaish Chief Masood Azhar has claimed in a ‘leaked’ video that he has trained ‘thousands’ of suicide bombers to carry out tactical attacks against India. The timing of the leak is significant and has more to do with political developments within his own country and, possibly, the coming elections in Bangladesh. It may be recalled that earlier, too, he had been seen coaching young women recruits to his cause on the same subject. It is clear that this is a desperate attempt to remain relevant in a rapidly changing scenario, but needs, as always, to be taken seriously by India.
It is amazing how Pakistan continues to provide space and sanctuary to such elements at a time when it faces serious security and economic challenges. It has attempted to benefit from subservience to China in the past, and is kowtowing to Donald Trump’s US in the present, but continues to face a growing existential threat. Under such circumstances, its effort should be to get out of the medieval mindset and be part of modern society. However, despite knowing the reality, it continues to patronise the Azhar brand of Islamist.
There are all kinds of reports about the ‘boost’ Pakistan is giving religious fundamentalists in Bangladesh in the hope of opening another front against India. Perhaps it envisages a populist surge across the border if its stooges manage a win in the elections, in which the suicide bombers could play a role. Maybe even in West Bengal if the opportunity arises. It must be noted that despite the differences in culture, both, Bangladesh and Pakistan face similar governance challenges. The concept that led to India’s partition had already failed in 1971, but the attempts to restore it continue.
India has in recent times not overtly fished in these troubled waters. This is despite repeated pleas from Baloch leaders for support in their separatist movement. But it is expected that the needful is being done at the required level. Azhar’s threat in that context implies expectation of a coming conflict in which the human bombers will play a role against a physical occupation. However, it may be noted – as developments in Venezuela have shown – power is exercised very differently in the present day world. The only impact even tolerance of such elements in Pakistan will have is on the domestic situation. In that sense, 2026 may prove quite a turning point for that increasingly suicidal nation.
