Terrorist group threatens railway stations as India’s Hindus celebrate Dusshera

The Pakistan-based militant jihadist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) has threatened to attack eleven rail stations and six temples across India today as Hindus celebrate Dussehra. The threatened stations and temples are in the six states of Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

The JeM operates in Jammu and Kashmir and has become increasingly active since the Indian government’s decision to revoke the state’s autonomy on August 5. Various groups have signalled instability and threatened the Indian territory due to Kashmiri Muslims’ resentment towards the Indian government.

While security has been heightened ahead of the festival celebrations, an attack would damage any possible dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad. Increased military vigilance by the Indian authorities in the sensitive region will remain highly likely.

A successful strike would likely be seen as a Pakistani attack on the Hindu population and their culture. Should violence occur, armed retaliation by the Indian military can be expected.

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