Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi, a UN-designated terrorist who played a crucial role in training the attackers for the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and served as the chief of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) on multiple occasions, passed away in a prison in Punjab province, Pakistan. Bhuttavi, who founded the LeT headquarters in Muridke, Punjab, was the deputy to Hafiz Saeed, the chief of the outlawed Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and the mastermind behind the Mumbai attack. The JuD serves as the front organization for the LeT.
Bhuttavi, aged 77, had been imprisoned at District Jail Sheikhupura, located approximately 60 kilometers from Lahore, since October 2019, following his involvement in a terror financing case. On May 29, he experienced severe chest pain and was immediately transferred to a hospital. However, upon arrival, he was pronounced dead due to cardiac arrest, according to a statement by a JuD official.
Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi was a significant figure within the LeT and played a crucial role in the organization’s activities. He was involved in training the militants responsible for the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, one of the most devastating terrorist incidents in India’s history. The attack, which lasted for four days, resulted in the loss of over 160 lives and left hundreds injured.
The LeT, founded in the 1980s, is a Pakistan-based militant group known for its involvement in numerous attacks targeting India. The organization has been designated as a terrorist group by the United Nations and several countries, including the United States. Hafiz Saeed, the leader of the JuD and the mastermind behind the Mumbai attack, has also been a subject of international condemnation for his role in promoting and supporting terrorist activities.
The death of Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi in prison raises questions about the effectiveness of measures taken by the Pakistani authorities to counter terrorism and curb the activities of extremist groups. The incident highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism and holding individuals accountable for their involvement in such heinous acts.
The Mumbai terror attack was a wake-up call for both India and the international community, exposing the need for enhanced intelligence sharing, cooperation, and counterterrorism measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Efforts to dismantle the infrastructure of extremist organizations and disrupt their financing networks remain critical in the fight against terrorism.
While the death of Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi marks the end of an era for the LeT and its activities, it is crucial to remain vigilant and address the root causes of terrorism to prevent the rise of new extremist groups. Comprehensive strategies that include socio-economic development, education, and the promotion of tolerance and understanding are essential to creating a more peaceful and secure world.
The demise of Bhuttavi serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by terrorism and the ongoing efforts needed to ensure the safety and security of nations. It also underscores the importance of international collaboration in combating terrorism and bringing those responsible for such acts to justice.
