Mysterious Death of Maulana Abdul Aziz Esar in Pakistan
Maulana Abdul Aziz Esar, a prominent commander of the extremist group Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) and an ardent advocate of the ideology known as Ghazwa-e-Hind, was found dead in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, on June 2, 2025. His sudden death has sparked speculation since official sources have not confirmed the cause.
Significance of the Burial and JeM Headquarters
Abdul Aziz was laid to rest at the JeM headquarters in Bahawalpur, a site known as the markaz. This location has historical importance as it has been linked to the planning of numerous major terror attacks in India, including the 2019 Pulwama attack, which resulted in significant loss of life. The burial at this central location signifies his status within the organization.
Conflicting Reports on the Cause of Death
Sources associated with Jaish-e-Muhammed have claimed that Abdul Aziz died of a sudden heart attack. However, Pakistan's police have remained silent on official confirmation, fueling uncertainty about the true circumstances surrounding his death.
Background and Activities of Maulana Abdul Aziz
- Resident of Ashrafwala, Punjab, Pakistan
- Known for his vehement anti-India rhetoric, including repeated threats to dissect India and release hostility against non-Muslims
- Recently intensified calls for the militant movement Ghazwa-e-Hind, which envisions a religious war to reclaim Indian territories
- In public rallies, he has threatened to seize Kashmir from India, referencing ongoing conflict zones
- Following India’s Operation Sindoor, he openly threatened infiltration of terrorists into India via video messages
- Compared India’s future to that of the Soviet Union’s collapse, urging militants to maintain their fight
Implications and Regional Impact
The death of such a high-ranking and vocal figure may create uncertainty within JeM and could impact its coordination and activities. Given his extreme views and active engagement in inciting violence, his mysterious demise may invite closer scrutiny by security agencies in the region.
