The Jaish-e-Mohammed has rebranded itself while establishing a vast network as well as carrying out covert operations
After Lashkar-e-Taiba, it is the Jaish-e-Mohammed – designated as the “deadliest” terror group in Jammu and Kashmir now – operating in the union territory via proxy groups that call themselves the Kashmir Tiger and Kashmir Freedom Army.
CNN-News18 tracked down the new frontal faces of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and how the terror group has rebranded itself while establishing a vast network as well as carrying out covert operations.
An investigation into the workings of the group shows that Jaish has evolved its strategy to evade international sanctions and counterterrorism efforts. After global bans and increased scrutiny, it now operates through proxy groups like the Kashmir Tigers (KT) and Kashmir Freedom Army (KFA).
WHAT DOES THE JeM DO IN KASHMIR?
The CNN-News18 investigation showed that the JeM is trying to get a grip through social fronts and covert infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
It has a history of rebranding under new names like Khuddam ul-Islam, Al-Rehmat Trust to circumvent bans, while its latest avatars – KT and KFA – continue their mission to destabilise Kashmir while masking their affiliations.
These offshoots will operate under social covers like madrasas and hijama (cupping therapy) centres. Islamic preaching networks are used to recruit, train, and radicalise individuals while avoiding exposure.
The Kashmir Tigers had claimed responsibility for the attacks in Jammu’s Doda and Kathua districts in July 2024, signalling their active presence.
BALAKOT: JeM’S KEY OPERATIONAL BASE
Pakistan’s Balakot is a key operational base for the JeM’s activities, more specifically the Jamia Ayesha Siddiqui Lillbanat Islamia madrasa. It is managed by Abdul Majid Sulimani, a senior Jaish commander whose “code name” is Majid Sulimani.
This madrasa spans across 2 to 3 acres (18 to 19 kanal) and includes facilities like teaching rooms, a mosque, and residential quarters. This facility has religious education Dora-e-Aaman for basics and Dara-e-Khasa for advanced studies for female orphans.
It serves as a recruitment and logistical hub for the KT and KFA, with plans to expand infrastructure. Its funding is managed by Sulimani’s UK-based brother Qazi Shabir, who channels donations from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Pakistan.
