Delhi/Hyderabad, Oct 3 (Maxim News): The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is reportedly seeking to revive Al-Umar Mujahideen in Jammu and Kashmir, according to an Intelligence Bureau official cited in the report.
Indian agencies are closely monitoring the group following reports of efforts to restore its presence in the Valley.
Al-Umar Mujahideen was founded in Srinagar in December 1989 by Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, also known as Mushtaq Latram. The group has remained largely inactive for years.
According to the official, the reported strategy involves support from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The objective would be to help Al-Umar rebuild its base before it potentially operates independently.
LeT and JeM Reportedly Asked to Support Revival
The official said the Hizbul Mujahideen was not currently considered suitable to lead such an operation. Its operatives were instead described as working alongside LeT and JeM in Pakistan.
The report also attributes recommendations to a Kashmir Study Group that officials said advises the ISI on Jammu and Kashmir-related matters.
According to the official, the group has recommended initially placing Al-Umar under the support of LeT and JeM. The reported plan would later allow the organisation to operate independently in the Valley.
Indian agencies are maintaining surveillance because of these reported developments. The alleged revival plan and the role attributed to the Kashmir Study Group have not been independently confirmed by Pakistani authorities.
Al-Umar emerged after breaking away from the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front. The group adopted an Islamist and pro-Pakistan position, according to historical accounts.
Zargar was among three militants released in 1999 in exchange for passengers of the hijacked Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 at Kandahar. He is currently based in Pakistan.
The National Investigation Agency attached Zargar’s Srinagar property under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in March 2023. The action followed investigations involving the Pakistan-based militant leader.
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews
