Highlights
– LeT seeks Islamic rule over entire Indian subcontinent
– Attacks primarily focused in Jammu and Kashmir region
– Temporary lull in attacks expected as international pressure mounts on LeT
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), also known as Soldiers of the Pure, has been active since 1993 and is one of the most feared groups operating in Kashmir. During the 1990’s, the LeT is believed to have received instruction and funding from Pakistan’s controversial and powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency, largely in exchange for a pledge to target Hindus and Indian forces operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
The militant organization was able to operate openly inside Pakistan, raising funds and recruiting members, until it was banned by then-President Pervez Musharraf in January 2002 amid pressure from the United States (US) following the September 11, 2001 attacks.
However, as Pakistan adopted a more pro-US strategy following the 9/11 attacks, Islamabad cracked down on the organization forcing the LeT to go through some structural changes. While the leaders of the LeT claimed they were continuing their activities in the Kashmir region, India largely believes the group has become more factionalized, resulting in decentralization and the pursuit of non-traditional goals, such as conducting attacks deep inside of India and fomenting violence within Pakistan.
Goals and Ideology
The primary goal of the LeT is the establishment of Islamic rule over Jammu, Kashmir (J & K), and eventually all of India. However, the LeT’s professed ideology goes beyond simply challenging India’s sovereignty by establishing an Islamic state, its agenda is outlined in a pamphlet titled, “Why we are waging Jihad.” In addition to waging jihad to restore Islamic rule over the entire India subcontinent, the group seeks to unite all Muslim majority regions in countries that surround Pakistan.
Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, leader of the LeT, was quoted as saying, “The purpose of Jihad is to carry out a sustained struggle for the dominance of Islam in the entire world and to eliminate the evil forces and the ignorant.” The LeT does not believe in achieving its goals through democratic means and is committed to a militant cause.
Despite its concentration in the Jammu and Kashmir region, the LeT thinks larger and in a more global perspective. According to its ideology, it is the duty of every Muslim to protect and defend the interests of other Muslims all over the world, especially if they are under the rule of non-Muslims. The LeT has consistently advocated the use of force and vows that it will plan the “flag of Islam” in Washington, Tel Aviv, and New Delhi.
Although the LeT has committed some high-profile attacks, most notably in New Delhi and Mumbai targeting both tourist destinations and government facilities, a majority of the attacks have been concentrated in the Jammu and Kashmir region against Indian military personnel. While not always claiming responsibility, the LeT is suspected of perpetuating the following attacks:
• On November 26, 2008, an unknown number of gunmen carried out a coordinated series of attacks in Mumbai, targeting the Taj Mahal Hotel, Oberoi-Trident complex, restaurants, a hospital, transit station, and other locations. The attacks killed 195 individuals and wounded another 300
• On October 29, 2005, near simultaneous blasts targeted markets in central New Delhi, killing 62 people and injuring another 210
• On August 25, 2003, twin car bombings targeted both the Mumba Devi temple and Gateway of India, killing at least 52 people
• On December 13, 2001, five gunmen infiltrated Parliament House in New Delhi, resulting in the death of 11 people and sparking the 2001-2002 India-Pakistan standoff that almost erupted into a full-scale war
• On December 23, 2000, LeT militants killed two soldiers and one civilian at Red Fort in New Delhi in an attempt to derail the India-Pakistan peace process
Lashkar-e-Taiba has been successful in perpetuating some of these high-profile attacks because of its ability to network with several Islamist extremist organizations across India, including in Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Of all the Pakistan-based terrorist groups, the LeT is the only group with support bases throughout India.
Group to Remain Capable, Active
In the near to mid-term, the LeT’s primary goal will remain the establishment of Islamic rule over the Jammu and Kashmir region. To achieve this, the group’s immediate focus will continue to be waging war against Indian military personnel located in J & K. The LeT’s ability to maintain contact and support among various Islamist networks in India allows the group to continue perpetuating large-scale and high-profile attacks within India, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the organization in achieving its stated goals.
However, due to global pressure, particularly from India and Pakistan, the LeT is likely to alter its operational strategy in the near-term by ceasing attacks. The Mumbai attacks and India’s insistence that the LeT was responsible has forced Pakistan to launch at least a limited crackdown against the group, as well as the international community. Any additional high-profile attacks perpetuated by the LeT would invite further pressure and work against the group’s near-term interests.
Despite the expected lull in large-scale attacks, especially within India’s major cities, the LeT’s long-term goals and ideology will remain the same. The group remains one of the most capable and deadly Pakistani-based groups and will continue to pose as a major long-term national security threat to India.
