Masood Azhar's Breakdown Proves Terrorists Face Worst Nightmare in India, Former J&K Police Chief Reveals

Former Jammu and Kashmir Police chief SP Vaid shared his insights with NDTV regarding notorious terrorist Masood Azhar's emotional breakdown during a speech.

New Delhi:

The leaked audio clip of Masood Azhar breaking down while recounting his imprisonment experience in Jammu and Kashmir serves as compelling evidence that terrorists encounter their greatest fears while detained in India, according to former Jammu and Kashmir Police chief SP Vaid in his conversation with NDTV.

Vaid played a significant role in managing the terrorist during his incarceration at Kot Bhalwal jail in Jammu and Kashmir during the early 1990s.

In the recently leaked audio recording from an event in Pakistan, the Pakistan-based leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) can be heard becoming emotional as he described how his escape plan involving a tunnel failed on the very day he intended to flee. Intelligence sources have verified the authenticity of this recording.

Vaid recalled several noteworthy details about the entire situation, from Azhar's imprisonment to the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 in December 1999, which ultimately led to the terrorist's release.

"Hearing the terrorist cry brings a sense of satisfaction. It demonstrates the effectiveness of India's security apparatus. He is a monster who has caused tremendous suffering to countless families," Vaid explained to NDTV.

At the time of Masood Azhar's arrest, Vaid was serving as Deputy Inspector General of Police.

When questioned about whether Azhar might be attempting to garner sympathy in Pakistan, the former senior police official suggested this could be possible but would likely prove ineffective, as it makes him appear vulnerable to other terror organizations operating from the neighboring country.

Terrorists made numerous attempts to secure Masood Azhar's freedom. His value to Pakistan, prompting these repeated liberation efforts, likely stemmed from his exceptional oratorical abilities.

"I believe terrorists like Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed possess strong public speaking capabilities that allow them to connect with and radicalize people. The Pakistani military and ISI require such talents to build support networks and recruit new members," Vaid stated.

The former police chief recounted a bold infiltration attempt by seven terrorists who carried a jail map and planned to attack the facility to create circumstances favorable for Masood Azhar's escape. However, security forces responded quickly and eliminated the terrorists.

Following his release as part of the hostage exchange arrangement, Masood Azhar wore a monkey cap, though he initially resisted doing so.

"He claimed he wanted to see and read something. I reminded him that prayers can be offered even with closed eyes. Continue praying and reading, that's fine. But we ensured his hands remained tied behind his back and his eyes were covered," Vaid told NDTV.

The terrorist had cultivated a certain reputation among fellow inmates by distributing amulets to them. Even some police personnel accepted these amulets, revealing his manipulative nature.

Masood Azhar entered India in February 1994 using a false identity and Portuguese passport. His mission was to spread jihad in Jammu and Kashmir and recruit terrorists. He was apprehended in Anantnag that same year and remained imprisoned from 1994 until 1999. Throughout this period, terrorists made numerous unsuccessful attempts to free him.

However, during the hijacking crisis of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 in December 1999, the government released Masood Azhar in exchange for the hostages. Subsequently, he established the terror organization JeM. Since then, he has been implicated in various terrorist attacks in India and currently ranks among India's most wanted terrorists.

At least 10 members of his family were killed during India's cruise missile strikes on terrorist infrastructure deep within Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, which was conducted in response to JeM terrorists killing 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. Four terrorists—whom he described as "close aides"—were also eliminated in the strike, according to Masood Azhar's statement released one day after India launched Operation Sindoor.