Terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar back, experts smell Pak hands

New Delhi, Feb 19: Maulana Masood Azhar, accused of masterminding the Indian

, has resurfaced and he brings a baggage of terror and apprehensions with him. "The Pakistani Islamic hardliner" as many media reports suggest is known for his hiding tactic and his associations with the Pakistani

.

Although in hiding, he has kept he Indian security officials on their toes since end of last December when smaller airports received threat alerts of activities by the Pakistan-based terror group called Jaish-e-Mohammad.

These alerts came after increasing activities by the fundamentalist when he addressed supporters from an anonymous location via a telephone just a few weeks back. He had clearly stated that the time for jihad or the holy war is here. "There are 313 fidayeen (fighters who are ready to die) in this gathering and if a call is given the number will go up to 3,000," he said.

Intelligence believe this is a change in tactic by Pak as USA withdraws troops.

Experts believe that the terrorist usually confined himself to his home in the city of Bhawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province and has resurfaced only when Pakistan allowed him to.

In fact, it is believed to be a change in tactic by Pakistan as US withdraws its troops from Afghanistan and the Pakistan government trying to clamp down the activities of the insurgents who oppose the government.

Indian intelligence believes that Pakistan is responsible for the hiding of terrorists like Azhar and supporting them in attacking India. Simultaneously, they clamp out the ones who pose a threat to the government.

Meanwhile, Azhar's resurgence has sent the security in India on a flurry, with major checking points at important transit locations like the airport, railway station and public transport.(Read)

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