Explain Hafiz Saeed in 500 words
Hafiz Saeed is a controversial figure in Pakistan and internationally known for his involvement in militant activities. Born on June 5, 1950, in Sargodha, Pakistan, Saeed is the founder of the militant organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the chief of its charity wing, Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD). He has been accused of being the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which resulted in the deaths of more than 160 people.
Saeed's journey towards radicalism began during his time at the University of Engineering and Technology in Lahore, where he became influenced by the ideas of Jamaat-e-Islami, a conservative Islamic political party in Pakistan. He was actively involved in student politics and became a prominent member of the party. However, it was after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 that Saeed's ideology took a more militant turn.
He joined the Afghan Mujahideen in their fight against the Soviets and developed close ties with various militant groups operating in Afghanistan. It was during this time that Saeed came into contact with Zafar Iqbal, a fellow militant, and together they laid the foundation of what would later become LeT.
LeT was initially formed to support the Afghan Mujahideen, but it later shifted its focus towards the conflict in Indian-administered Kashmir. Saeed became the organization's chief ideologue and played a crucial role in its expansion and recruitment efforts. LeT gained notoriety for its attacks on Indian security forces and civilians in Kashmir, aiming to liberate the region from Indian control.
However, it was the 2008 Mumbai attacks that brought international attention to Saeed and LeT. Ten gunmen, believed to be affiliated with LeT, carried out a coordinated series of attacks in Mumbai, targeting multiple locations including a train station, a Jewish center, and luxury hotels. The attacks lasted for four days and resulted in a high number of casualties. Saeed was accused of masterminding the attacks, and his organization was designated as a terrorist group by the United Nations Security Council.
Despite international pressure, Saeed has managed to evade conviction in Pakistan. He has been arrested multiple times on charges related to terrorism, but each time he has been either released due to lack of evidence or placed under house arrest. Many critics argue that his release is a result of his influence and connections within the Pakistani establishment.
Saeed has capitalized on his charitable activities through JuD, which operates a network of schools, hospitals, and other welfare projects across Pakistan. This has allowed him to maintain a strong support base and gain legitimacy among certain sections of society.
The international community, particularly India and the United States, have repeatedly called for Saeed's prosecution and the dismantling of LeT and JuD. The United States has offered a $10 million reward for information leading to his conviction. However, Pakistan has been reluctant to take decisive action against him, citing lack of evidence or political considerations.
In conclusion, Hafiz Saeed is a highly controversial figure who has been accused of masterminding the Mumbai attacks and leading a militant organization responsible for numerous acts of violence in Kashmir. While some see him as a hero fighting for the liberation of Kashmir, others view him as a dangerous terrorist. The ongoing debate surrounding Saeed reflects the complexities of the regional dynamics and the challenges of counterterrorism efforts in South Asia.