Jayshi-i Muhammad
Jayshi-i Muhammad - An Islamist militant separatist group founded with the goal of annexing Kashmir to Pakistan.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: جيش محمد (Jaish-e-Muhammad)
- Turkish: Muhammed’in Ordusu
Historical Context and Origins
Jayshi-i Muhammad, also known as the “Army of Muhammad,” was established in February 2000 in Pakistan. It emerged under the leadership of Masood Azhar, a prominent figure who gained international attention after his release from Indian detention in 1999, an incident which involved the hijacking of an Indian Airlines jet in exchange for freed prisoners.
Objectives and Activities
The main objective of Jayshi-i Muhammad is to unite the contested region of Kashmir with Pakistan. To this end, the group has been active, primarily carrying out operations in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Key Locations:
- Base Locations: Peshawar and Muzaffarabad, Pakistan
- Operational Zone: Indian-administered Kashmir
Alliances and Political Affiliations
The group is suspected of having had close affiliations with the Taliban and was allegedly tied to Osama bin Laden. Politically, it aligns with the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party, a conservative and religious political party in Pakistan.
Composition and Membership
Jayshi-i Muhammad’s membership predominantly consists of youth from Kashmir, though it also includes a diverse array of veterans from previous conflicts:
- Punjabi and Pakistani Militants
- Veterans from the Afghan resistance against the Soviet occupation in the 1980s
- Militants from Arab countries
Legal Status and Recent Developments
Facing international pressure, including calls from the Western countries and neighboring India, the Pakistani government declared Jayshi-i Muhammad an outlawed terrorist organization. This move was part of broader efforts to mitigate sources of terrorist activity within its borders.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “The Anatomy of Terror: From the Death of bin Laden to the Rise of the Islamic State” by Ali Soufan – Provides an overview of terror networks and militant groups.
- “Kashmir in Conflict: India, Pakistan and the Unending War” by Victoria Schofield – Focuses on the history and unresolved issues of the Kashmir conflict.
- “The Taliban’s War on Women: A Young Lawyer’s Mission to Change the World” by Joseph Maxomber – Details Taliban affiliations and activities.
Takeaways
- Founding: Established in 2000 by Masood Azhar.
- Objective: To integrate Kashmir into Pakistan.
- Membership: Primarily Kashmiri youth and militant veterans.
- Legal Status: Outlawed by Pakistan due to international pressure.
Conclusion
Jayshi-i Muhammad, formed under the shadow of complex geopolitical conflicts, remains a significant player within the Kashmir conflict. Despite being outlawed, its impact on regional stability and global security continues to be a subject of deep concern and scrutiny.
