A former member of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Noor Dahri, has made shocking revelations about the terror group's chief, Hafiz Saeed, claiming he is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Pakistani youths. In a detailed post shared on social media platform X, Dahri described how Saeed manipulated young men into joining the group under the guise of Islamic duty, sending them to their deaths in what he termed a "war of ashes" to fulfill political objectives.
Dahri, who once aspired to become a doctor, recounted how his life took a drastic turn due to Saeed's influence. "I aspired to become a doctor in accordance with my late mother's wish, but I was unable to fulfill this ambition. Rather than pursuing a university education, I chose to join LeT, influenced by a man (Hafiz Saeed) who adversely impacted my promising future," he stated. This stark admission highlights the tragic trajectory of his life, which was redirected from a path of education and healing to one of violence and despair.
As a former operative, Dahri had the responsibility of guarding Hafiz Saeed at his residence in Muridke, where he witnessed the comfortable lifestyle of the terror mastermind. He described Saeed's vehicle, a modified blue Toyota Vigo pickup Datsun, equipped with a sleeping area for Saeed's convenience, underscoring the disparity between Saeed's life and the lives of those he sent to fight.
Dahri revealed that Saeed's incendiary speeches were a powerful recruitment tool, leading numerous young men to join LeT. "Every Thursday, approximately 500 individuals from across Pakistan would travel to Afghanistan to undergo training at a camp named Ma’askar Tayyba located in Kunar Province," he explained. Tragically, Dahri noted that many of these recruits never returned, a grim testament to the high cost of Saeed's manipulation.
His disillusionment with the group became evident during his experiences in Afghanistan and Pakistani-occupied Kashmir, where he witnessed the harsh realities of the conflict. "I recall when the LeT commanders referred to me as a coward upon hearing of my decision to depart from the death cult," he said, illustrating the intense pressure and stigma faced by those who sought to leave.
Today, Dahri stands firmly against terrorism, praying for Hafiz Saeed's downfall. He asserted that LeT currently maintains a force of approximately one million trained militants, positioning it as a significant player within Pakistan's political landscape. "He is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Pakistanis by sending them in a war of ashes to achieve the state’s political goals. I wish to see his disgraceful end in my life," he declared, emphasizing his desire for justice.
As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, Dahri's revelations come at a critical juncture. The ongoing conflict has seen a resurgence of violence, with accusations flying between the two nations regarding the sponsorship of terrorism. Dahri's account adds a personal dimension to the broader geopolitical narrative, presenting a stark warning about the dangers of radicalization and the exploitation of youth.
In his concluding remarks, Dahri expressed a sense of hope and purpose. "I am now in a better place than Hafiz Saeed desired for me because Allah has chosen me to expose the dark faces of Islamists. Alhamdulillah," he stated, indicating his commitment to countering the very ideologies that once ensnared him.
Hafiz Saeed, the founder of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah and a key figure in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, remains a wanted terrorist in India. His influence continues to loom large over the region, with calls for his extradition echoing in diplomatic circles. Talha Saeed, his son, is also noted as a significant figure within the LeT hierarchy, raising concerns about the ongoing legacy of violence associated with the group.
The implications of Dahri's testimony are profound, as they shed light on the inner workings of LeT and the psychological tactics employed to recruit and radicalize young men. As former members like Dahri come forward, their stories may serve as crucial tools in the fight against extremism, offering insights that could help prevent future generations from falling prey to similar fates.
In a world where the specter of terrorism continues to cast a long shadow, Noor Dahri's journey from aspiring doctor to disillusioned operative serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of radicalization. His call for accountability and justice against Hafiz Saeed resonates not only within Pakistan but across the globe, highlighting the urgent need for collective action against the ideologies that fuel such violence.
