In the early hours of May 7, the Indian armed forces launched precision strikes on key terror-linked sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. At the center of these strikes was Muridke, a town near Lahore that houses the Markaz-e-Taiba complex—widely known as the ideological and operational headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
But why was Muridke chosen as a high-priority target?
Muridke was the Nerve Centre of Lashkar-e-Taiba:
The Masjid wa Markaz Taiba, set on a sprawling 82-acre campus in Muridke, is no ordinary religious institution. It serves as the brain and backbone of Hafiz Saeed’s terror empire. The site combines a mosque, madrassa, residential quarters, religious schools, and training facilities, all tightly woven into LeT’s larger agenda of jihad against India.
Indian intelligence has long considered Muridke the cradle of anti-India radicalization and planning, with a curriculum that indoctrinates young minds while doubling up as a military training ground. It has housed operatives who later went on to conduct attacks on Indian soil, the most infamous being the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Kasab Was Trained Here:
Among the most chilling connections to Muridke is its role in grooming Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. According to Indian intelligence, Kasab underwent intelligence and combat training at Markaz Taiba, particularly the daura-e-ribbath module, under supervision from handlers reportedly linked to Pakistan’s ISI. The same facility trained other members of the 10-man squad that executed one of the most devastating terror attacks in India’s history.
Funded by Bin Laden:
Adding to the site’s notoriety is its alleged financial backing by Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden, who reportedly contributed Rs 10 million toward its construction in 2000. This link underscores Muridke’s role not just as a local threat but as part of a larger global jihadist ecosystem.
More Than Just Bricks and Mortar:
India’s decision to target Muridke was not merely about destroying infrastructure—it was a calculated strike on the ideological and logistical core of a terror organization responsible for countless attacks on Indian civilians. By hitting Muridke, India sent a strong signal: that symbolic safe havens, no matter how long protected or deeply rooted, will not be spared if they shelter terror.
This wasn’t just retaliation—it was rectification.
