MUZAFFARABAD: Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed has praised last month's terror attack on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot, and encouraged similar attacks on the country. Addressing a rally of over one thousand people in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir region, he said, “800,000 Indian troops are committing genocide on Kashmiris. Don't they have a right to carry out Pathankot-style attacks for their defense?” He also lauded militant leader Sayed Salahuddin, leader of the United Jihad Council, who had claimed responsibility for the attack.
“You have only seen one attack on Pathankot. Matters could easily escalate,” he said. The crowd chanted slogans including, “The war will continue until the liberation of Kashmir” and “We are ready for jihad.”
Strategic Analyst Ayesha Siddiqa said Saeed's praise of Salahuddin could be part of a “deflection strategy” to steer blame away from JeM, and Pakistan, where it is based.
