India’s Operation Sindoor: Why Muridke Was the Main Target?

The Indian Army has carried out a major operation named Operation Sindoor. This attack targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The camps of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were hit in multiple places including Kotli, Muridke, and Bahawalpur, as confirmed by the Pakistani army.

Also Read: Operation Sindoor: India Destroys 9 Terror Camps After Pahalgam Attack

Why Was Muridke the Main Target?

Muridke, located just 33 km from Lahore, is known as the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba. It is also called Markaz-e-Taiba. It operates under the name of a so-called charity group Jamaat-ud-Dawa, but in reality, it's a terrorist training and operations center.

What’s Inside the Muridke Complex?

The Muridke center is spread across 200 acres and includes:

• Mosques
• Madrasas
• Schools and hospitals
• Banks and offices
• Training grounds

Terrorists, especially youth from Pakistan and Kashmir, are trained here.

A History of Terrorism

This hideout was built in the late 1980s by Hafiz Saeed, with help from Pakistan’s ISI and funding from other countries. It was first used during the Afghan war, but later became a base for anti-India attacks. Terrorists involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks were trained here, according to captured terrorist Ajmal Kasab.

Lashkar's Vast Network Across Pakistan

Lashkar and Jamaat-ud-Dawa have:

• Over 2500 offices
• Dozens of madrasas
• Activities in many parts of Pakistan

Even though Pakistan banned the group in 2008 under FATF pressure, India says the ban is only on paper. These organizations are still active.

Major Attacks Linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba

• 2001 – Parliament attack (with Jaish)
• 2006 – Mumbai train bombings (180 killed)
• 2008 – Mumbai attacks (166 killed)
• 2000 – 35 Sikhs killed in Chittisinghpura before US President Clinton’s visit

Who is Hafiz Saeed?

Hafiz Saeed, the leader of Lashkar, was born in 1950 in Pakistan. His family came from India during the partition. He studied in Saudi Arabia and follows Wahhabi ideology. He is declared a global terrorist by many countries. Though arrested many times in Pakistan, he always managed to get released. In 2020, he was sentenced to 11 years, but reports say he lives comfortably in a protected house in Lahore.

Why Operation Sindoor Matters

India has conducted cross-border operations before, but Operation Sindoor is special because it directly hit Lashkar’s main center. It sends a strong message: India will respond to terrorism with strong military action, not just words.

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