After the review of Indus Water Treaty by India in the wake of Uri attack, Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohamamd has now directed its cadre to target water projects in India, especially on those rivers that flow into Pakistan.
In an audio clip released on the weekend, JeM boss Maulana Masood Azhar has also mocked India’s assertion of having conducted surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He said just four fidayeen hit Pathankot airbase and Army base at Uri and the world came to know about the incidents, but the attack by Indian special forces was not witnessed by anyone.
He also said when Indian security forces took four days to counter just four fidayeen at Pathankot and Uri, the Indians should not boast to have conducted surgical strikes in PoK.
Claiming that India is terrorising the people of Pakistan by threatening to control water flow into that country, he said, “Mujahideens should prepare to attack water projects in India, particularly those through which water flows into Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan bows down to international pressure….Give us freedom, we will show them (India) their place.”
Experts said the terror groups could be assessing the outcome of the tussle between the Pakistan Army and political leadership and would swing in favour of the entity that ultimately takes control there. By issuing the threat, the terror group is seeking to keep the Pakistan Army in good humour and by not actually hitting any dam or hydel power project, as of now, the terror groups are also seeking to oblige the political leadership.
Counter-terrorism expert Dr Rituraj Mate said, “Security mechanisms for protection of water projects like dams and hydel power projects should be further strengthened. At the psychological level, the terror groups are recognising that India is holding a lot of power to arm-twist Pakistan and jehadis could react by going into a do or die mindset to hit Indian interests.”
Intelligence sources said the proxy war by terrorist organisations of Pakistan has reached the next level and a wait-and-watch game is on between Islamabad and New Delhi following the surgical strikes conducted by Indian special forces inside PoK. While Pakistan Army chief Raheel Sharif is waiting for another surprise attack by India inside Pakistan-held territory to dislodge Nawaz Sharif Government, the political leadership there is waiting for another major terror strike in India by the Pak Army controlled terror groups like the JeM and lashkar Tayyeba to corner Raheel Sharif.
The Indian counter responses should be formulated in a coolheaded manner by taking into account the immediate concerns and strategic perspectives, Mate added.