Is the Indian Government Executing Pakistan-Based Wanted Terrorists?

There are growing speculations about whether the Indian government is secretly carrying out an assassination program targeting wanted terrorists based in Pakistan. Foreign diplomats and journalists in Delhi have been trying to uncover the truth behind these killings, but so far, there is no concrete evidence linking them to India’s intelligence agency. However, sources in Pakistan have confirmed that the series of killings has instilled fear among known terrorists and their accomplices, forcing them to go underground to avoid becoming the next target.

A String of Killings

Recent details obtained by The Sunday Guardian indicate that at least 18 such killings have taken place in Pakistan over the past two years, with 16 occurring since February of this year. All of the victims were associated with anti-India terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, Jaishe-Mohammad, and Hizbul Mujahideen. These individuals had played a role in carrying out attacks against Indian citizens on Indian soil.

The killings have occurred across various parts of Pakistan, including Karachi, Sialkot, Neelam Valley (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rawalkot, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. In each case, the assailants used a similar modus operandi, riding motorcycles and shooting the targets at close range before swiftly fleeing the scene. Such flawless execution indicates the involvement of highly trained individuals rather than low-level criminals.

Unanswered Questions

While the Pakistani police, aided by the ISI, have been investigating these killings, no suspects have been identified or arrested. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has declined to comment on the issue, stating that it cannot provide updates on events taking place in Pakistan. The Sunday Guardian attempted to obtain information from the Punjab police information officer regarding the latest developments and potential arrests but received no response.

R&AW’s Alleged Involvement

The Sunday Guardian spoke with three former functionaries associated with the aforementioned terrorist groups, who claimed that India’s Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) is behind the attacks. These individuals, while no longer active, maintain connections with their friends in these groups. They expressed restlessness and fear among their associates, particularly those in senior positions, as the killings continue. WhatsApp groups and private conversations often revolve around R&AW’s alleged identification and elimination of their friends, with speculation about possible insider help.

Indian Government’s Denial

The Indian government categorically denies any involvement in these killings, stating that such actions are not part of their pursued policy. In contrast, the United States and Israel have acknowledged carrying out targeted assassinations on foreign soil against individuals they consider enemies. Notable examples include the killing of Osama Bin Laden and ISIS chief Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi.

Sindhudesh Liberation Army’s Role

Some of the recent killings have been claimed by a relatively unknown organization called the Sindhudesh Liberation Army, based in the Sindh province of Pakistan. This group, which became publicly known in 2010, has taken credit for several recent assassinations. The Sunday Guardian attempted to contact a representative of this organization for comment but received no response.

Victims of the Killings

Here is a list of the individuals who have been killed:

1. Adnan Ahmed aka Hanzla Ahmed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, December, Karachi.
2. Khwaja Shahid, Lashkar-E-Tayyaba, November, Neelam valley, PoK.
3. Akram Ghazi, Lashkar, November, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
4. Raheem Ullah Tareeq, Jaish-e-Mohhamad, November, Orangi, Karachi.
5. Dawood Malik, a close aide of Jaish’s Maulana Masood Azhar, North Waziristan.
6. Shahid Latif, Jaish, October, Sialkot.
7. Maulana Rehman, Lashkar, September, Karachi.
8. Mufti Qaiser, Lashkar, September, Karachi.
9. Mohd Riaz @Abu Qasim, September, Rawalkot, PoK.
10. Sardar Hussain Arain, Lashkar, Karachi.
11. Paramjit Panjwar, Khalistan Force, May, Johar town, Lahore.
12. Khalid Bashir, Lashkar, May, Lahore.
13. Syed Noor Shalobar (worked for both Lashkar and Jaish), March, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region.
14. Bashir Ahmed Peer, @intiyaz Alam, Hizbul Mujahideen, February, Rawalpindi.
15. Syed Khalid Raja, Al Badr, February, Karachi.
16. Aijaz Ahmad Ahangar (worked closely with ISI’s operation in Kashmir) February, Afghanistan’s Kunar Province.
17. Zahoor Mistry @ Zahid Akhund, Lashkar, March, Karachi.
18. Zafrullah Jamali, Lashkar, March, Karachi.
19. Abdul Salam Bhuttavi, Lashkar, May 2021.
20. Mohammad Ismael, LeT, PoK, February 2018.

While the mystery behind these killings and the alleged involvement of the Indian government continues, the impact on the terrorist groups in Pakistan is evident. With fear gripping their ranks, these organizations are now forced to operate in secrecy, uncertain of who their next target might be.