Unveiling the Ghazwa-e-Hind: A New Wave of Terror Modules in India

Emerging Threats Linked to Ghazwa-e-Hind

New Delhi: In recent months, law enforcement agencies have dismantled several terror modules associated with the ISI from Pakistan. A common thread among these operations has been the recurring theme of Ghazwa-e-Hind, which signifies the envisioned destruction of India.

Modules supported by the ISI have been uncovered in various states, including Delhi, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Bihar. Each of these operations revealed literature promoting Ghazwa-e-Hind.

An official from the Intelligence Bureau noted that while these modules may not be directly connected, they share a significant slogan and an ISI affiliation.

Historically, this slogan has been central to many Pakistani factions, but its recent prevalence in Indian modules is noteworthy, according to the official.

Another intelligence source indicated that this narrative is being actively promoted by Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir. Following Operation Sindoor, Munir allegedly misrepresented Pakistan's stance on terror groups, with a Jaish-e-Mohammad operative, Ilyas Kashmir, citing Munir's claim that the army had initiated Ghazwa-e-Hind in retaliation.

The official further elaborated that there is a deliberate effort from Pakistan to popularize this slogan within India. It resonates with potential recruits, making it appealing for them to adopt.

Ghazwa-e-Hind is increasingly being utilized as a recruitment strategy in India, where recruits are enticed with promises of a better life post-destruction of India, envisioning a new nation that would be more favorable to them.

Experts suggest that the ISI aims for this slogan to gain traction, hoping it will become a viral topic that encourages more youth to join extremist groups.

Most of the disrupted modules lack formal names and are not directly linked to any specific terror organization in Pakistan. Instead, they are collectively referred to as Ghazwa-e-Hind modules. The ISI's strategy appears to be the establishment of numerous such modules across India, with aspirations of igniting a broader movement.

Intelligence agencies have raised alarms about the ISI's aggressive push for homegrown terror modules in India, reminiscent of the Indian Mujahideen's era. Although the Indian Mujahideen was known to be Pakistan-controlled, tracing its connections was challenging due to local sourcing of materials and funding, with minimal communication with Pakistani handlers.

The ISI's current approach aims to create a diverse array of terror factions across the country, ensuring they operate independently. To convey a clear message nationwide, all these factions are designated under the Ghazwa-e-Hind banner, as stated by an official.