Lashkar-e-Taiba, often abbreviated as LeT, is a formidable militant Islamist organization primarily operating from Pakistan and directing its activities against India. Its name, derived from Urdu (لشکر طیبہ [ˈləʃkər eː ˈt̪ɛːjba]), literally translates to "Army of the Good," though it is also commonly understood as "Army of the Righteous" or "Army of the Pure." This group is sometimes spelled Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Lashkar-i-Taiba, or Lashkar-i-Tayyeba in various contexts.

Origins and Evolution of Lashkar-e-Taiba

The roots of LeT stretch back to the Soviet-Afghan War, a period that saw the rise of numerous Islamist mujahideen groups. Lashkar-e-Taiba was founded by Hafiz Saeed, Abdullah Azzam, and several other Islamist figures, reportedly receiving crucial funding from none other than Osama bin Laden himself. This early backing established a strong foundation for the organization's subsequent operations and growth in the region.

Allegations of State Support and International Condemnation

Despite being formally banned by Pakistan, there are persistent and serious allegations, particularly from India and some Western analysts, that Pakistan's main intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), continues to offer LeT assistance and protection. It is even claimed that the organization is part of "Operation Tupac" and receives training and funding directly from the Pakistan Army and the ISI. The Indian government, for its part, firmly believes that Pakistan, through its intelligence apparatus, has both supported the group and provided sanctuary to its leader, Hafiz Saeed.

Reflecting its significant threat profile, Lashkar-e-Taiba has been universally designated as a terrorist organization by a wide array of international bodies and nations. This comprehensive list includes Pakistan itself, India, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Russia, Australia, and the United Nations (specifically under the UNSC Resolution 1267 Al-Qaeda Sanctions List). Such widespread condemnation underscores the global concern surrounding its activities.

LeT's Stated Objectives and Major Attacks

At the core of Lashkar-e-Taiba's agenda is the stated objective to fully merge the entire region of Kashmir with Pakistan. This long-standing ambition fuels much of its militant operations and rhetoric.

Over the years, LeT has been accused by India of orchestrating numerous devastating attacks on both military and civilian targets across the country. Among the most infamous and impactful events attributed to the group are the audacious 2001 Indian Parliament attack, a direct assault on the heart of Indian democracy; the harrowing 2008 Mumbai attacks, which saw coordinated strikes across India's financial capital, leading to widespread casualties and international outrage; and the deadly 2019 Pulwama attack, specifically targeting Indian Armed Forces personnel.

The Varanasi Bombings and Justice

A particularly grim chapter in India's struggle against terrorism unfolded in March 2006, when the ancient and sacred Indian city of Varanasi was rocked by a series of bombings. Varanasi, deeply revered by Hindus and recognized as one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, witnessed immense tragedy as at least 28 people lost their lives and 101 sustained injuries. After a protracted legal battle spanning 16 years, justice was finally served in June 2022. The Ghaziabad district and sessions court convicted Waliullah Khan, identified as the mastermind and terrorist behind the attacks, sentencing him to death for his heinous crimes.