Delhi blast: Investigating agencies are uncovering new details following the interrogation of the accused. One of the most shocking revelations is the existence of Jaish-e-Mohammed’s women’s wing, Jamaat-ul-Mominat. Reports suggest that Jaish aimed to create a women’s wing modelled after the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) led by Vellupillai Prabhakaran in Sri Lanka, which had an active female unit. What were the key war tactics that Jaish sought to replicate? What’s the story?
Delhi Blast and Jaish-e-Mohammed Link
A massive explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort killed several people and injured many others. Prior to the blast, raids were conducted across Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, and approximately 3,000 kg of explosives were recovered.
The Faridabad explosives and weapons seizure case also revealed the existence of a “doctor gang.” The names of Dr. Adil, Dr. Muzammil, Dr. Umar, and Dr. Shaheen have come to the forefront. Reports indicate that Dr Umar was behind the blast near the Red Fort, while the other three have been arrested. New revelations about Dr Shaheen continue to emerge.
Jaish-e-Mohammed’s Women Wing and Dr Shaheen
The terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed recently formed a women’s wing called Jamaat-ul-Mominaat. It was headed by Sadia Azhar, alias Saeeda Azhar, the sister of Jaish-e-Mohammed’s chief Masood Azhar. Through Jamaat-ul-Mominaat, Jaish is attempting to cultivate a pool of female radical terrorists. Dr Shaheen is reportedly an active member of this Jamaat-ul-Mominaat. Now the question arises: where did Jaish come up with the idea of creating a women’s wing? Its roots lie with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
LTTE Women’s Wing and Its Role
The LTTE women’s wing had many responsibilities. Women fighters also took part in combat. They acted as soldiers, joining military attacks, anti-tank operations, and suicide missions. The wing had several military units, including one named after Malati, the first LTTE female fighter killed in an attack. Many LTTE women fighters died in the April 2009 Anandapuram military clash.
Suicide Commandos
The LTTE created a special suicide unit called the Black Tigers for important operations. This unit included both men and women. Those who died in suicide attacks were celebrated to encourage others to join. The LTTE is also known as the group that started modern suicide attacks, using different tools and methods to carry them out.
LTTE Suicide Squad- Highlights
- The LTTE created a suicide squad called the Black Tigers
- Being a member of the Black Tigers was seen as elite and prestigious within the LTTE
- Black Tiger militants carried out more than 330 suicide attacks
- The LTTE’s first suicide attack happened on July 5, 1987
- The first Black Tiger, Captain Miller, drove a truck full of explosives into a Sri Lankan Army camp, killing 40 soldiers
Shaheen and the Women’s Wing
Dr. Shaheen was reportedly planning to establish a women’s wing of Jaish modeled on the LTTE and was studying articles related to the group. Investigators say she was highly radicalized. She also planned to open a dispensary as a front to lure Muslim girls into jihad and intended to build a basement to serve as a recruitment centre. In addition, she was developing a terror funding module using the names of poor girls. Shaheen was searching for locations for terrorist training, reportedly in Saharanpur and Hapur, with Jaish providing financial support for her plans. Investigating agencies have brought her brother, Dr. Parvez, to Delhi, and electronic devices, including mobile phones and hard drives recovered from his Lucknow home, are under examination. People who were in contact with Dr. Shaheen are also being closely monitored.
