Masood Azhar is a dangerous terrorist from Pakistan who is known for planning deadly attacks in India. He started the terror group called Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which is involved in many violent activities, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. Because of his role in several major terrorist attacks, India wants him captured or eliminated.
Who is Masood Azhar?
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Full Name: Maulana Masood Azhar
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Born: July 10, 1968, in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
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Known For: Founder of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)
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Education: Islamic studies at Jamia Uloom-ul-Islamia in Karachi
Masood Azhar first joined a terrorist group called Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, but later he made his own group, JeM, in the year 2000. His group focuses on spreading terror in India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir.
Why India Wants Masood Azhar
Masood Azhar is linked to several deadly attacks on India. Some of the most dangerous ones include:
🔹 1. IC-814 Hijacking (1999)
In 1999, Indian Airlines flight IC-814 was hijacked and taken to Kandahar. The hijackers demanded Masood Azhar’s release. To save the passengers, India released him. Soon after, he started JeM.
🔹 2. Parliament Attack (2001)
JeM was involved in the terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament in December 2001, which nearly caused a war between India and Pakistan.
🔹 3. Pathankot Attack (2016)
JeM militants attacked an Indian Air Force base in Pathankot, killing several security personnel.
🔹 4. Pulwama Suicide Attack (2019)
In February 2019, a suicide bomber from JeM killed over 40 CRPF jawans in Pulwama. This was one of the deadliest attacks on Indian forces and triggered the Balakot airstrikes by India inside Pakistan.
Current Status
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Azhar is reportedly in Pakistan, but the Pakistani government denies his presence or gives vague statements about his whereabouts.
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India continues to demand his arrest and prosecution for his role in terrorism.
Global Terrorist Status
After India’s efforts and support from countries like the USA, UK, and France, the United Nations declared Masood Azhar a global terrorist in May 2019. Even China, which had blocked the move earlier, supported it in the end.
Where is Masood Azhar Now?
India believes he is hiding in Pakistan. But Pakistan denies this or gives unclear answers about his location. India wants him to be handed over and punished for his crimes.
❓ FAQs
Q1. Who is Masood Azhar?
Masood Azhar is a Pakistani terrorist and the founder of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a group behind many attacks in India.
Q2. Why does India want Masood Azhar?
Because he planned and supported major terrorist attacks in India, including the 2019 Pulwama attack.
Q3. Is Masood Azhar declared a global terrorist?
Yes, in 2019, the United Nations officially listed him as a global terrorist.
Q4. Where is Masood Azhar now?
He is believed to be in Pakistan, though his exact location is not confirmed.