Jaish Chief Masood Azhar Breaks Down Recalling Failed Escape From Kot Bhalwal Jail

New Delhi: Jaish-e-Mohammed Chief Masood Azhar has openly admitted for the first time that in the 1990s, he had tried to escape from Jammu's Kot Balwal jail, but his plot failed. In a recently surfaced audio clip, Azhar himself can be heard saying that he had planned to dig a hole to escape from jail. Intelligence agencies have examined this audio and confirmed it. This confession of Azhar has come at a time when he is considered the mastermind of many major terrorist attacks in India and has been included in India's most wanted list for a long time.

How did the plan to escape through the tunnel fail, and what was the punishment?

Azhar said that he dug the tunnel for a long time and collected some tools inside the jail, but the jail authorities came to know about it on the day of his escape. He says that after his capture, he and some other detainees were subjected to severe physical punishment and restrictions—they were tied in chains and restricted in their daily activities. This part is also confirmed in the news. 

What was the history of Masood Azhar's arrest in India and release after IC-814?

Azhar had come to India in February 1994 with a fake identity and passport and was arrested near Anantnag. He remained in various prisons from 1994 to 1999 and was released in December 1999 in exchange for the release of hostages following the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814. Later he formed JeM (Jaish-e-Mohammed). 

Did he also mention the loss of the family and ‘Operation Sindoor’?

In the audio, Azhar said that those close to him were harmed, and he also lost family members in the sniper attack called 'Operation Sindoor' conducted by India—with several of them cited as dead. According to multiple news reports, Azhar cited the death of several family members during the operation. 

When and in what context did this come to light, and what will be the impact?

The audio appears to have been recorded during a public event in Pakistan, where his voice was heard over a loudspeaker. Azhar's revelation matters on two counts: one, it highlights the alleged harsh punishment he has been given in prison; and second, it revisits how India-based and cross-border activities have continued to cause regional tensions from the 1990s to the present day. 

Will this give rise to new political or security actions?

There has been no news of any major official Indian or Pakistani response yet; nevertheless, such revelations can refresh the stance and public concern of both countries. Security and intelligence analysts are looking at it in the context of the then situation and current strategies.