Article Today, New Delhi:
In a move raising serious security concerns for India, Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has reportedly launched a women’s wing named Jamaat-ul-Mominat. The development, believed to be part of JeM chief Masood Azhar’s renewed strategy following setbacks from India’s Operation Sindoor, marks a dangerous expansion of the group’s recruitment base. Intelligence sources indicate that the new wing is being organised from JeM’s headquarters in Bahawalpur, with tacit support from elements within Pakistan’s establishment.
Birth of a New Wing
According to intercepted intelligence, a 21-minute audio clip of Masood Azhar reveals his intention to mobilise women for armed jihad. The speech, delivered at Bahawalpur’s Markaz Usman Ali, cited the death of his sister Hawa Bibi during India’s recent operations as the emotional trigger for forming the new unit. Azhar is said to have described her death as “a sacrifice demanding continuation of the cause,” linking it directly to the creation of Jamaat-ul-Mominat.
Structured Terror Training for Women
Sources said JeM is designing a separate 15-day training course called Daura-e-Tazkiya for female recruits. The course will be followed by Daura Ayat-ul-Nisah, focused on indoctrination through selective religious texts. The propaganda reportedly promises “paradise through martyrdom,” encouraging women to take part in militant activities against Indian forces. Intelligence officials warn that Azhar’s rhetoric—pointing to the presence of Hindu women in India’s defence forces—is being used to incite women into militancy under the guise of equality and religious duty.
Leadership Within the Family
Masood Azhar has appointed his sisters Sadia Azhar and Samaira Azhar, also known as Umme Masood, to head the women’s brigade. Sadia will lead Jamaat-ul-Mominat while Samaira is responsible for recruitment and propaganda operations. Notably, Afira Farooq, the wife of a Pulwama suicide bomber, has also joined the group, signalling a disturbing revival of the network. Intelligence inputs reveal that the group conducts regular indoctrination sessions online, held five days a week since October 25.
Expanding Operations Across Pakistan
JeM plans to establish Jamaat-ul-Mominat branches across all major districts of Pakistan. Each branch will be headed by an officer designated as Muntazima. The organisation enforces strict social rules prohibiting interaction between women and unrelated men. It reportedly uses digital banking channels to collect donations for training and logistics. JeM operatives are also using the stories of women who lost their husbands in previous terror operations as motivational tools to attract new members.
A Renewed Security Threat
Officials in New Delhi view the development as an attempt by JeM to rebuild its network after suffering heavy losses. The use of women in militant operations is seen as a tactical shift to evade intelligence detection and security surveillance. Indian security agencies are on high alert, assessing the potential implications for border states.
