“I Still Fear Them”: Masood Azhar Admits Brutal Punishment After Failed Jail Escape in Jammu & Kashmir

Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar has publicly acknowledged a humiliating chapter from his time in Indian custody, admitting that an attempted jailbreak from a high-security jail in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1990s ended in failure and severe punishment.

The revelation came through an audio clip of Azhar's speech, believed to have been delivered at a public gathering in Pakistan. Intelligence sources have confirmed the clip's authenticity, in which the most wanted terrorist narrates how his escape plan collapsed at the last moment, leaving him fearful of Indian jail authorities even years later.

Tunnel Plan at Kot Bhalwal Jail Exposed

In the audio recording, Masood Azhar describes how he and other inmates at Jammu's Kot Bhalwal jail attempted to dig a tunnel over a period of time using tools they had somehow acquired inside the prison. The high-security jail is known for housing some of the most dangerous terrorists captured by Indian forces.

Azhar said the escape was carefully planned, with a specific day chosen for execution. However, the authorities uncovered the tunnel just before the plan could be carried out.

"The tunnel was discovered by them on the last day of my escape plan," he said, his voice faltering as he recalled the moment.

'I Still Fear the Jail Authorities,' Says Azhar

The JeM chief went on to describe the punishment that followed the failed escape attempt. According to Azhar, the jail authorities responded with strict enforcement and physical punishment.

He admitted that he and other terrorists were beaten, chained, and subjected to harsh restrictions inside the prison. The experience, he said, left a lasting impact on him.

He was heard saying that even now, the memory of the jail officials and the treatment he received continued to frighten him.

Arrest, Release, and Rise of Jaish-e-Mohammed

Masood Azhar entered India in February 1994 using a fake identity and a Portuguese passport with the aim of spreading jihad in Jammu and Kashmir and recruiting militants. He was arrested later that year in Anantnag and remained in custody until 1999.

Despite multiple failed attempts by terrorists to secure his release, Azhar remained jailed until the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 in December 1999. The Indian government released him in exchange for the hostages.

After his release, Azhar went on to found Jaish-e-Mohammed, which has been linked to several major terror attacks in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Operation Sindoor and Losses to His Family

Masood Azhar also acknowledged the heavy losses suffered by his family during India's cruise missile strikes under Operation Sindoor. The strikes targeted terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan following the killing of 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama.

In a statement issued after the operation, Azhar said at least 10 of his family members were killed. He also confirmed the death of four terrorists whom he described as his "close aides."

His admissions once again reinforced India's long-standing claim that Pakistan has allowed terror groups to operate from its soil as a tool of state policy against India.