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The news of the death of IM's founder member Riyaz Bhatkal was nothing but a rumour. Moreover, the outfit's top leadership is also intact. The death of Bhatkal was a fabricated alert that trickled in from Pakistan, say insiders.
According to IB sources, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence was behind the rumour and this was done to lower the heat on them. Bhatkal is the face one the IM in India while Amir Reza Khan continues to be in-charge of all its operations.
In all, there are 46 terror-training camps in Pakistan today of which four belong to the IM. Around 80 to 90 cadres of Indian origin are receiving training in handling arms, preparing bombs and most importantly collecting intelligence.
For the IM, the most important object is to once again establish its modules in India. "Currently, in India most terrorists activities are carried out by individuals (freelance jihad). The IM is aware of this modus operandi and has let it continue for the outfit has been weakened. It boasted of 60 modules across the country that have now reduced to a mere 25. And even these existing cells are not at full strength," said a source from the IB.
The IM is desperate to regroup and it looks at the Indian operatives sheltered in Pakistan as the key. Despite its old hubs like Azamgarh, Old Delhi, Kerala and Hyderbad being under the scanner IM leaders are confident of recreating modules there. Another challenge it faces is creating cells in Gujarat, which has been known for its though terror laws.
And with the IM all set to re-launch itself on Indian soil, security forces face a though task ahead, especially with backing from Pakistan. But why is Pakistan encouraging the regrouping of an Indian-based terror group?
There are limitations while launching a Pakistan-based group in India -- infiltration and pressure from the international community. Moreover, a 26/11-type strike cannot be oraganised every year. And hence to keep the threat for terror alive, Pakistan feels that an active Indian-based is essential as it can act, as a constant irritant, said sources.
The IB intercept also point towards training IM operatives in striking coasts, which are still vulnerable. Hence, states such as Gujarat will need to be constantly on high alert.
The IM recruitment drive is in full swing where they are picking up youths from across India. The leaders have the database of at least 4,000 families who they feel have been affected by police atrocities.
The IM is also expected to rename itself as Brigade 313. These cadres are trained in fidayeen-style attacks, suicide missions and abductions apart from bomb blasts.