The long-alleged links between Pakistan's army and militant groups have once again come into public view after statements made by a senior Lashkar-e-Taiba leader. One of the alleged masterminds of the Pahalgam militant attack openly spoke about these ties during a public event, where he also issued threats against India.
Lashkar-e-Taiba deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri was recently seen attending a school event involving children. During his speech, he not only claimed close connections with the Pakistan Army but also made provocative remarks aimed at India. A video of his speech has since gone viral on social media, bringing the incident to wider attention.
Claims of links with Pakistan Army
At the event, Saifullah Kasuri told the audience that he had been invited by the Pakistan Army to attend the funeral prayers of Pakistani soldiers. India has long accused the Pakistan Army of sheltering, training, and supporting militant groups to carry out attacks against it. While the Pakistan government has consistently denied these allegations, several incidents over the years have pointed to close coordination between the army and militant outfits.
Kasuri's public remarks have added fresh fuel to these claims, as they were made openly and in front of schoolchildren, without any apparent fear of action.
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Threats against India after Operation Sindoor
Referring to India's response after the Pahalgam attack, Kasuri acknowledged Operation Sindoor, under which Indian forces destroyed multiple militant bases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He called India's action a "big mistake" and warned that militants would not step back from what he described as their "Kashmir mission".
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He also claimed that his profile had risen after being named as a key planner of the Pahalgam attack. Addressing the children at the event, Saifullah Kasuri boasted about this notoriety and said, "Do you know that India fears me?" The remarks have sparked outrage and renewed concerns over the open functioning of militant leaders in Pakistan.
